Growing up, I always wanted to learn to play the drums. As a young teen, my parents decided that it would be good for me to take music lessons. When asked what instrument I wanted to play, I said drums. Wouldn’t any self-respecting 12 year-old girl say that? Alright, well most girls probably want to do something else but for this 12 year-old girl the dream was drums.

I was informed that some family relatives protested to my parents that drums were not ladylike and instead I learned to play the guitar. I did enjoy the guitar and got pretty good at it. In junior high and high school I took up the clarinet. No offense to those folks who have always dreamed of playing the clarinet or the guitar but they are a far cry from drums, at least for me.

So, over the years I have continued to quietly feed this drum dream of mine. I often could be found tapping the steering wheel and when alone in the car I would have the stereo blaring anything with some serious drum beats. As far as mothers go, I am probably somewhat unusual but hey, it takes all kinds to make the world go round.

When I met my husband I shared my secret dream and over the years he has wanted to get the drums for me. But with money and space tight, I politely refrained from getting the drums of my dreams. Recently, as we finished organizing and cleaning our basement the drum dream became a real possibility. Money, space and time somewhat came together and as a belated birthday present, I got a seven piece Gretsch metallic blue drum set!

So, for the last week or so I have been beating my drums. I am a far cry from any serious drummer but with the encouragement of my family, I am going to take some lessons. So, what’s the point of this whole entry? What do you think? That children should be encouraged to play an instrument? The only instrument someone should play is drums? Someone with a dream will persevere until they obtain it?

No, the point of this entry is for you to get to know your children and encourage THEIR dreams. As parents we need to encourage their dreams, even if it they may seem impossible or ridiculous to us. Parents need to be our children’s cheerleaders, even if their (or extended family's) choice might not be ours. After all, at the end of their life do you want to hear them say, “I really wish I had done……instead of….” For many famous people the only person who encouraged them, who told them to go on when they faced defeat or challenges, were their parents. Think about it. Will you be the parent that encourages your child’s dreams or inhibits them?

And while you’re thinking about it, I’m going to go down to the basement, crank up the stereo and play my drums! Can you hear them?? One, two, three, four…