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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Hold On to Your Dreams

By Rory McClannahan
Mountain View Telegraph
    This is about dreams.
    A valid subject, I think, because everyone has them. Some are modest, such as the desire for a sunny day. Some dreams are a little more ambitious— who among us hasn't at one point in our life for fame and fortune?
    Melissa Procter has a dream to become a country singing star, and she figures the way to do that is to enter a contest. She even called up the editor of her local newspaper, asking if he could do a story on her. She had prepared a letter, which she asked kindly if she could read, finding herself getting emotional as she read it. This is some of what she wrote:
    "If I could save or even change a life with the words I sing, I'd be on top of the world. I want to do good with the money I make. I want to build a homeless shelter out here in Moriarty."
    Melissa went on to say that she wants to help fathers deal with the judicial system and help people with depression.
    But her dream, she says, is to be a country singer, perform in front of thousands of people and have her own tour bus.
    Melissa is asking all of her neighbors and the people who read this to go to www.milkrocks.com/rascal-flatts/index.html, look up her video and vote for her. The grand prize winner will get a chance to sing with Rascal Flatts in a concert, get to hang out on a tour bus and get a recording contract.
    When she becomes rich and famous, Melissa says that she won't forget Moriarty and that she'll stay the same as she's always been.
    The cynics among us, and on some days I count myself as one, may laugh. After all, what chance does a 29-year-old mother from Moriarty have to win this contest? Honestly, the odds are probably very slim. That doesn't make the dream any less valid, though.
    Plus, you never know what will happen. That's why a lot of us play the lottery.
    In the event that Melissa doesn't win, I want to say this to her because I found her to be very nice, and sincere, and sweet:
    I want her to obtain her dreams, but maybe its the dream of helping her community that she's really meant to achieve. It's just not as glamorous as being a singing sensation.
    If Melissa, or anyone for that matter, wants to help the community it can happen right now. Sometimes in this newspaper we publish listings of organizations that are the backbone of our communities filled with volunteers who give their time to help people. Call any of these organizations, they would welcome any help they can get. Many of these organizations rely on retired folks, but would welcome someone young who is willing to put in a little time. You would be surprised how much of a difference a couple hours a week will make.
    As for making the world a better place, Melissa, you already have. You are a wife and mother. You are a daughter and a friend. Those are four roles you play every day that will never get you on television or performing in front of thousands of people, but that does not mean they are without value.
    I'm rooting for you Melissa. I even went to the Web site and voted for you. Never give up on your dream, but always realize we all come equipped with more than one dream and the ability to make those dreams happen.
    Contact Rory McClannahan at 823-7102 or online at editor@mvtelegraph.com.