Around J's age Matt wanted to be a teacher. It was something he talked about and developed in his mind for about a year. Sadly around 6 or so, his mental illness took over his brain, and he stopped talking about wanting to be anything. It was he could do function daily.
Maybe around 14 he realized his gift for animals, and we encouraged that to him as a possible vocation - he was also an incredible artist and he thought about doing something with that. Again, sadly around 16 all of that went out the window, as he could barely function on the most basic level. He completely stopped drawing - and he was really, really good. He just said one day he stunk at it, and has not drawn since.
Now, at 21, he is starting to process life again, and wants to go to school to be a horticulturist - but I am not sure where reality lies there as his learning difference is so disabling and frustrating for him. But anything is possible - I have told him that from the beginning - he just has to want it badly enough. I would love for him to start drawing again - but I think it is almost like me with writing - sometimes it is painful to tap into that side of the pysche. Maybe as he starts to heal he will again.
Wow - that sounded depressing I guess. I guess when you are looking at a non-mentally ill child there are many kids who knew what they wanted to be since they were tots. However, even on the healthy side of my family, no one really defined a profession until they were in college. My dad wanted to be a forest ranger his whole life - went to college - and in his second year he fell in love with science. He pursued a highly successful career as a cell biologist - and won many awards. He died, still doing his science. He loved it - but had no concept of his love for it, until a mentor introduced him to this field. So talk about 2 careers that are polar opposites! But he never lost his love for the out of doors - and that he firmly instilled in his entire family. Thank you Dad.
Give it another 10 years.
