Is this a normal 14?

[Greg Johnson]

I had the pleasure of sitting next to a beautiful young woman on my last 
flight to Denver last week. She was so confident and poised, I assumed she 
had to be at least 16 or 17. Imagine my surprise when she stated she was 
turning 14 next week! I listened in amazement as she discussed her trip to 
China last year with her father (a scientist), her schooling (involved in 
the international school program), her love for languages and dance, and her 
volunteering (reading to young children at a shelter). She had the grace at 
the end of our flight to tell me what a lovely conversation we had, and 
introduce herself and hold out her hand for me to shake. I was floored! At 
14, "um" was my main vocabulary, I was so terribly shy I would never think 
of initiating a conversation with a stranger, I had no idea of global, much 
less national issues - a veritable stick in the mud. I realized as I was 
walking down the concourse: that's Hermione! Now I could understand how an 
18 year old Krum could be smitten by such a creature! Meeting this talented, 
poised young woman has put Hermione in a new light for me, as I realized 
that she, too, possesses the inner qualities of this "real" young woman.

As for loving my job, I do. I quit teaching after 10 years to start my own 
family. I would not want to be anywhere else than home with my son. Aside 
from all the daily household going ons (which I don't remember being so time 
consuming when I was teaching!), I get to look at the world in new ways: the 
wonder of a ladybug, of waving, of physical control, of social graces, of 
food. I'm sad that my husband misses our son's many quiet and poignant 
moments of discovery while he's at work. My husband just graduated from grad 
school in interior architecture. He was a graphic artist previous to grad 
school and is one of those rare individuals who get to combine their passion 
with their profession. And no, architects aren't rich, but it does pay more 
than teaching.  Of course, he does wish he had more time to do his art at 
home, but I guess that's what retirement is for. As for me, I get a few more 
years of childhood. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up (or when 
my children do), I have a few ideas, but right now, they're on the back 
burner.

Stacie

_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*.  
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus