Dream Big.

When I was a little Gabe in Louisiana, I remember when I use to enjoy the little things in life, like eating my watermelon on the edge of the front porch with my family. I never had to worry about anything. I remember getting off of the school bus every day after school. I would run all the way down our dirt road just to see my family before getting back in the truck to drive down the street to our dock. We would all pile in our boat to go fishing on the lake. As I grew up, I moved new places. I learned new things. When I grew up, I gained responsibilities. I left to go out into the world on my own. My name is Gabriel. I live in a small apartment in a shabby area of San Diego. The ghetto as some call it. I've got no money in the bank. I work part-time to pay for school and other things that have come my way as I've grown to this point. Sometimes I forget to dream. Sometimes school feels like it is never going to end. Sometimes I feel like we will never make it in this world that just seems to be getting worse and worse. I once dreamt of a beautiful wife, not only on the outside but on the inside too. I wanted to be one of those guy's that when people saw me, they would think, "How did HE get HER!?" I found that girl and when I realized she was way out of my league, I asked her to marry me. My dream came true. She is the best of the best and I get to spend eternity with her, which I am so grateful. I now dream of finishing school. I dream of a better job. A job that can support a family. I dream of a home, not a big home, but one that is peaceful and comfortable. I dream of a family of my own. When I dream big, with a little effort on my part, my dreams come true.

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes, because better days are sure to come. When you smile be sure to smile wide. Don't let them know that they have won. When you walk, walk with pride. Don't show the hurt inside, because the pain will soon be gone. When you dream, dream big. As big as the ocean blue. When you dream, dream big, because when you dream it just might come true. When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud, because it will carry all your cares away. When you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself. It will help you feel okay. When you pray, pray for strength to help you carry on when the troubles come your way. When you dream, dream big.

toys can dream too. Photo by Blake Bishop.