[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 09.07.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

Sundays always feel like a good time to slow down, reflect a little, and share some stories with each other. We’ve all walked such different paths in life, but it’s funny how much we still have in common when we talk about our hopes, our memories, and the roads we’ve taken.

When I was a kid, I imagined myself as a journalist, reporting from different parts of the world and sharing stories with anyone who’d listen. Life, of course, had a few twists and turns, but I still like to think little pieces of that dream made their way into what I do today.

So here’s today’s question for you: Were you still able to follow your dreams from your 20s or 30s?

Image credit: Unsplash/Randy Tarampi

Maybe you went after them head-on, maybe you found that dream in a new shape, or maybe you discovered something even better along the way. However it turned out, your story matters — and it might inspire someone else in our GrayVine family to smile, reflect, or even chase a dream of their own.

We’d love to hear your answers below. Take a moment, think back to what you dreamed about as a child, and let us know where those dreams led you.

Cheers!
Blue

 

[joem462]

No. I thought it would be nice to be a high school history teacher. My dad was a car salesman and wanted me to follow in his footsteps. After six months of showing cars to people I joined the Air Force. I did 8 years when my wife talked me into getting out.

 

[dkleslie52]

No, I was a wild child. At 53, I finally found my niche. I became a florist.

 

[dlabelle777]

I always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl. Now I’m getting ready to retire from nursing after 27 years.

 

[GaryBlake]

Nope. I wanted to be a radio DJ. I had the English major in school, plays, speech, debates, but I had lunch with a hot radio DJ in Fort Wayne, Indiana and he leveled with me. Talked about starting out in a cornfield in Iowa, working nights, holidays, weekends, and MANY years before progressing upward. IF you had the stuff!! I have the voice for it....many people have told me....but I abandoned my dream in one afternoon.

 

[teriterrill]

I had the opportunity to recreate my life. My spouse shared with me I was no longer his choice for desired partner after 20 years. It was difficult; yet we created a new world where my children and I survived and thrived. I would not change my life with anyone and am grateful for my life!

 

[Pattie]

Yes, and at 74 I'm still living my dream and I thank God everyday!!

 

[MIKKI]

At the age of 6 or 7, I met a police officer that sat on his motorcycle at our street corner. I would go and sit the talking to him while waiting for a speeding car. My mom said it was ok, all she had to come out to see where I was at, she looked only in one direction. Later, he stopped being there, I was so hurt and confused. Well, at the age of 30, I joined our police department. A few years later, I went to a retirement party for a police officer, which any officer could attend rather you knew the person or not. I overheard them talking about his traffic motorcycle days. I walked over and introduced myself and asked if his post was at a certain location, his reply was yes. I told him I was the little girl that use to sit there and talk to him. We both start crying while hugging, I told him how hurt I was when he never returned, He said he often wondered whatever happened to me. I was in uniform, he said I would be a great officer, being patient and willing to listen. Even then I didn't want to leave his side, I wanted to know more. At 80, I will never forget him, and the wonderful person he was. Thank you!

 

[Grayling55]

I always wanted a horse ever since I remember seeing my first one. When I was in my 30's I realized my dream and ended up with more than one. I remember my first horse - her name was Strawberry - and since I couldn't afford a saddle when I bought her I rode her bareback. She was such a good horse and after several years I bought a young horse and trained him myself. I read a lot of books and attended many seminars given by well-known horse people. I still ride and train to this day at 69.

 

[MIKKI]

I always wanted a horse ever since I remember seeing my first one. When I was in my 30's I realized my dream and ended up with more than one. I remember my first horse - her name was Strawberry - and since I couldn't afford a saddle when I bought her I rode her bareback. She was such a good horse and after several years I bought a young horse and trained him myself. I read a lot of books and attended many seminars given by well-known horse people. I still ride and train to this day at 69.

Oh yeah go for it as long as you can, enjoy each day to the fullest.

 

[MIKKI]

No. I thought it would be nice to be a high school history teacher. My dad was a car salesman and wanted me to follow in his footsteps. After six months of showing cars to people I joined the Air Force. I did 8 years when my wife talked me into getting out.

Well, happy wife, happy life.

 

[MIKKI]

I always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl. Now I’m getting ready to retire from nursing after 27 years.

Enjoy your retirement.

 

[MIKKI]

I had the opportunity to recreate my life. My spouse shared with me I was no longer his choice for desired partner after 20 years. It was difficult; yet we created a new world where my children and I survived and thrived. I would not change my life with anyone and am grateful for my life!

Great! Let you change you, no someone else.

 

[TriciaR]

No. I thought it would be nice to be a high school history teacher. My dad was a car salesman and wanted me to follow in his footsteps. After six months of showing cars to people I joined the Air Force. I did 8 years when my wife talked me into getting out.

Thank you for sharing your story with us @joem462 ! It’s interesting how life can take such unexpected turns—from dreaming of teaching history, to selling cars, then serving in the Air Force for 8 years. That’s quite a journey. Do you still have a love for history now, even if you didn’t end up teaching it?

 

[TriciaR]

No, I was a wild child. At 53, I finally found my niche. I became a florist.

Thank you for sharing that with us @dkleslie52 ! It’s wonderful that you found your niche as a florist—such a creative and joyful path. Do you have a favorite flower to work with, or one that holds a special meaning for you?

 

[TriciaR]

I always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl. Now I’m getting ready to retire from nursing after 27 years.

What a beautiful achievement—27 years of caring for others! That takes so much dedication. It’s inspiring that you followed your dream all the way from childhood to retirement. As you look ahead, do you have something special planned for when you finish nursing? Thank you for sharing @dlabelle777 !

 

[TriciaR]

Nope. I wanted to be a radio DJ. I had the English major in school, plays, speech, debates, but I had lunch with a hot radio DJ in Fort Wayne, Indiana and he leveled with me. Talked about starting out in a cornfield in Iowa, working nights, holidays, weekends, and MANY years before progressing upward. IF you had the stuff!! I have the voice for it....many people have told me....but I abandoned my dream in one afternoon.

I really appreciate you sharing this story @GaryBlake — it sounds like you put a lot of thought into that dream before deciding to take a different path. Having the voice for radio is such a gift! Do you ever still get the chance to use that talent, maybe in community events, storytelling, or even just for fun with family and friends?

 

[TriciaR]

I had the opportunity to recreate my life. My spouse shared with me I was no longer his choice for desired partner after 20 years. It was difficult; yet we created a new world where my children and I survived and thrived. I would not change my life with anyone and am grateful for my life!

Thank you for opening up and sharing such a personal part of your journey @teriterrill . It’s truly inspiring to hear how you turned such a difficult moment into a life where you and your children could thrive. Your gratitude really shines through. What’s something in this new chapter of your life that brings you the most joy?

 

[TriciaR]

Yes, and at 74 I'm still living my dream and I thank God everyday!!

How wonderful to hear that you’re still living your dream at 74, @Pattie ! That’s truly uplifting and a beautiful reminder to keep pursuing what makes us happy. What part of your dream brings you the most joy these days?

 

[TriciaR]

At the age of 6 or 7, I met a police officer that sat on his motorcycle at our street corner. I would go and sit the talking to him while waiting for a speeding car. My mom said it was ok, all she had to come out to see where I was at, she looked only in one direction. Later, he stopped being there, I was so hurt and confused. Well, at the age of 30, I joined our police department. A few years later, I went to a retirement party for a police officer, which any officer could attend rather you knew the person or not. I overheard them talking about his traffic motorcycle days. I walked over and introduced myself and asked if his post was at a certain location, his reply was yes. I told him I was the little girl that use to sit there and talk to him. We both start crying while hugging, I told him how hurt I was when he never returned, He said he often wondered whatever happened to me. I was in uniform, he said I would be a great officer, being patient and willing to listen. Even then I didn't want to leave his side, I wanted to know more. At 80, I will never forget him, and the wonderful person he was. Thank you!

What an incredible story—thank you so much for sharing it with us @MIKKI . It’s amazing how a chance meeting in childhood can leave such a lasting impression and even help shape the path you chose in life. That reunion must have been so emotional and meaningful for both of you. Do you feel that his encouragement influenced the way you approached your own career in policing?