lilikoimahina wrote the following about me:
"1. Reply with your name and I will write something I like about you
Strength and Style despite adversity
2. I will then tell what song reminds me of you.
CAGED BIRD by Alycia Keyes
Right now I feel like a bird
Caged without a key
Everyone comes to stare at me
So much joy and revelry
They don’t know how I feel inside
Through my smile I cry
They don’t know what they’re doing to me
Keeping me from flying
That’s why I say that I know why the caged bird sings
Only joy comes from song
She’s so rare and beautiful to others
But I just set her free so she can fly, fly, fly
Spreading her wings and her song
Let her fly, fly, fly, the whole world to see
Hmmm hey ooh she’s like a caged bird
Fly, fly, ooh, just let her fly, just let her fly, just let her fly
Spread wings
Spread beauty
3. If I were to apply an o'clock to you, I'll tell you what it would be.
10 am walking around with nothing but a fur coat
4. I will try to name a single word that best describes you.
Dedicated
5. I'll tell you the most memorable moment I've had with you.
You have been very supportive of me and I will always appreciate that!
6. I will tell you what color you remind me of.
Gold
7. I'll then tell you something that I've always wondered about you.
What would have happened if you said no to what everyone expected and you were free to live as you please?
8. Put this in your journal."
That's so sweet, Natalie; I'm really touched.
"7. I'll then tell you something that I've always wondered about you.
What would have happened if you said no to what everyone expected and you were free to live as you please?"
I am indeed living as I please (within the limits of my medical condition). To invert your question, had I conformed to parental expectations I would have pursued a conventional professional career. No one expected me to not pursue a normal career path and become a poet; no one expected me not to hold a job and let my wife be the breadwinner.