As we are driving, I hear Kennith and Thomas talking about what they wanted to do when they grew up. Now for YEARS Kennith has wanted to be a video game developer (really? LOL). But this conversation between two nine year olds, revealed something new.
Thomas wants to be a marine biologist, which makes sense. This kid can tell you EVERYTHING about sharks and other water creatures (note: I used creatures here because I am not sure are they mammals? Are they pescatarians? Wait, that is a person who is like a vegetarian but eats fish.. ARGH, anyway...). As they are having this conversation and it is getting intense about the sharks... Thomas asked Kennith, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" And I was giggling inside and shaking my head, I knew the answer. He wants to make video games. But alas, I was shocked when he said, "I really want to be an astrophysicist."
OK HOLD THE PHONE.
This is news to me. First off, where did it come from and second was he watching the 'Big Bang Theory' when I was working? AND THIRD... What is an astrophysicist? I am not kidding here, so when I had a second I googled it.
According to EHow:
"The universe is a big place, and it's the job of the astrophysicist to try to take that vast unknown and turn it into something a little less mysterious. These highly trained scientists are experts at using principles of mathematics and physics to broaden mankind's understanding of the universe."
So I translate it as my son is wicked smart and wants to use his brain to make stuff easier to understand. Cool... and he will use math, physics, and astronomy to do it. Rock on.
I may not totally understand what the job does, but I know he loves it and wants to do something that will challenge him.
So, I will do what I can to help foster his love for the sciences, even though when I was in high school I almost blew up the chemistry lab making a candy cane. (NO LIE, to the point that my teacher actually said if I DIDN'T participate in any labs I would pass the class, lol).
Sharing this information with some friends, I had a dear friend tell me about the Perseid meteor shower that was peaking last night. So, I asked Kennith if he wanted to get up in the middle of the night and go look at the sky and he said yes.
I set my alarm for 3 am and proceeded to get up.
It was cold and wet outside... and I really started to second guess getting him up at the butt crack of dawn to see stars and meteors and stuff. But I did. We put on hoodies, grabbed some blankets and went to the deck.
It was so dark outside and we laid on the lounger on the deck looking at the stars and talking. He was pointing out different constellations we could see. I was amazed at how much he loves the stars and science.
We were laying there quietly when all of a sudden, "WHOOOSHHH" through the sky.
A meteor bright and so fast it made me gasp (and I scared Kennith). We both got so excited, and then another one, and another.
To hear his excitement in his voice and to see his face when we came back inside was priceless. It makes me misty. I am so happy my friend told me about this happening and that I went outside with him to see the meteor shower. It was incredible. I got to see the love in his eyes for something greater than his 9 year old self.
And yes, I am tired this morning, but it is totally worth it... It is my job as a mom to be that memory creator, to help keep that fire for what he wants to do ignited.
It is my job to help him dream big and reach for the stars.
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