Goals and Wishes

Like an unfinished book that is still being written, there remain things I still want to accomplish both in and with my life. Of course as I grow older, I have to temper the idealism and passion of my youth with the realization that there aren't going to be as many open doors awaiting a soon-to-be 55 year old man as there are the current student immersed in his or her undergraduate studies. Although levels of opportunity differ, what unites all of us is the motivation to make our mark, to make a difference, to leave the world a better place for our having been here.

To reach beyond my current experience in an attempt to fulfill yet unrealized aspirations is to have goals. A goal is a vision for which I am capable of making choices that can bring its realization about.

Some people, however, hold aspirations or dream dreams but do not enjoy the capability of fulfilling them. These people may face limitations imposed by disability or illness that is either life threatening or life shortening. These are the stories that wrench the heart. For them, goals are wishes. They still want to make their mark or make a difference, but they depend on the love and passion of others to help them realize their dreams. These are the people that shows like Extreme Makeover Home Edition seek out to help. This is reality television at its finest.

While other television shows like Deal or No Deal remind us that we can be greedy, people whose goals can only be wishes requiring the help of others are uncomfortable asking for that assistance. So today I thought I would pose a question that focusses our attention beyond our own wants and desires:

"Who do you know of that you would nominate to benefit from the help of a show like Extreme Makeover Home Edition? What are their particular circumstances and needs?" Who knows, maybe there is somebody out there who reads this lowly blog with the resources to fulfill someone's wishes.