Like all you lovely folks, I've got a dream

For as long as I can remember, I have always dreamed of being a teacher and a mother. I have felt very blessed to have reached both dreams by the age of 30. Not that I'm done doing either, but to have started on my ultimate goals in life while relatively young is a true source of joy. I loved teaching and still consider myself a teacher. I felt fulfilled and alive while working with my students for eight years. And what a welcome surprise that being a mother is even more fulfilling! I am continually surprised by how enjoyable this daily grind is. Like I said, I feel very richly blessed.

Malcom's dream wasn't formed as early in life as mine, but he's just as passionate about it. He wants to be a visual effects artist. Since he was a little boy, he's wanted to work in film. He didn't always know what area of "the industry" he'd be in, but he wanted to be a part of it all. When it became obvious that he needed to get a degree in film, we moved to Sunny SoCal to pursue his dream. After four years of undergrad work, he realized that he wanted to specialize in visual effects. This direction is only natural; he has an eye for acute detail, he has a real gift for working with computers, and he enjoys creating art.

Malcom is a vital part of the dream for my life as well. And as such, his dreams are my dreams. I feel honored to support every good thing he wants to do in his life. I am sincerely happy to help him reach goals that help him feel fulfilled and richly blessed. I am excited that he will eventually work in a field that he is honestly gifted in.

And so, dear Arizona family and friends, I need you to understand something: When you ask me to move back to Arizona, you're asking me to give up on Malcom's dreams. I'm sure you don't mean it that way, but that's what it means to me. If we really did come back, he'd get a job that he doesn't like in a part of the state that he really doesn't like so that we could be close to you. I know that would be fun, and I'd still have my dreams--being a teacher and mother are wonderfully portable--but Malcom would not have his.

We'll probably never move back to Arizona and that makes me a little sad. I believe it's the best state in the country and has significant beauties and treasures. I love visiting there and feeling like royalty when we do--everyone treats us so nicely and tries to shower enough attention on us to make up for missed times together. I miss being at every family function and doing simple daily things, like running to Target together, or sewing a quilt while talking.

You all mean so much to me. I love you dearly and I need you in my life. But Malcom and our little family is honestly more important than living near extended family. Not by much, but by enough to make the decision easier for me.