When I Grow Up

Written for https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/category/what-do-you-see

‘What do you want to do to when you grow up?’

It wasn’t a difficult question, Molly always knew what she wanted to be. Even from an early age, she picked the Doctor Barbie, or set up a teddy hospital for all those with dog related injuries. It wasn’t totally his fault; she did throw them to him when she was three years old – it was funny seeing the chewed legs and arms.

Now, she wanted to make them better.

Bandages made out of plasters, a bed with mini bottles of squash, and pretend chicken soup. ‘I want to be a doctor, earn lots of money, and buy Mummy a big house, with a swimming pool, and a big kitchen.’

‘A doctor, I think that’s a great thing to aspire to.’

‘Mummy says, I can be anything I want to be. She works at a shop, and says I need to listen in school. That way I can learn everything there is about being a doctor. Although, I apire to be a doctor . . . Can I be a pilot as well?’

‘Course you can; be anything you want to be.’

‘Then I will be a flying doctor,’ she said, taking the model she made out of bricks.

She loved nursery, and soon she would be going to school all day. She wanted to learn everything, especially Science. If she wanted to be a doctor, then it was important to listen.

‘Did you always want to be a teacher?’ she asked, bringing her plane to a halt.

‘I can’t remember, but I like teaching.’

‘That’s cool, cause I like learning.’