The Question

The Question

“Follow your dreams. They know the way.”

Kobi Yamada

I was playing golf one day, with a guy I only met once.

Nelson was a friend of a friend. We were all planning to play together that day, but at the last minute, our mutual friend couldn’t make it, so it was just the two of us. Nelson was a much better golfer than I, and he was an interesting guy to talk with.

Nelson trained as a physician and then a surgeon. He became quite successful, but after an accident, he lost depth perception in one eye and was forced to give up his practice.

Nelson’s dad invited him to join the family business. Nelson didn’t want to, but felt he didn’t have many other choices.

As it turned out, their work together was a success, and Nelson enjoyed his new life. He got married and had a daughter, Emily, who also became interested in medicine.

Nelson loved the idea of Emily becoming a doctor, but gradually, she developed a fascination with film, and she and Nelson argued over this point quite a bit.

Emily wanted to direct documentaries. When she was accepted into film school, she called to tell Nelson while he was in the car with a friend. Nelson wasn’t happy about it, but he was reluctant to speak his mind with his friend sitting there beside him.

After a bit of conversation, Emily said, “Dad, can I ask you a question?”

He said sure.

She asked, “Dad, do you want me to live your dream, or mine?”

Sometimes, I think the reason I met Nelson was to hear this story. By the time he told it to me, Emily had long since grown up and become a success. He looked back on that phone call with pride.

-Hank