My daddy once said to me, "Life is full of doors." 

I said, "Of course it is, daddy, but you forgot windows and floors."

 

I said, "I go through so many doors every single day!"

"Like when I leave my room and when I leave home to go play!"

 

He said, "No, no, darling. You misunderstand what I mean."

"I'm saying life can take you anywhere. Anywhere at all that you dream."

 

"You just have to be brave, treat others well, and always do your best."

"And when you see that door, open it proudly and put the past to rest."

 

"I'm sorry, Daddy. I'm not sure I understand."

"Is this for when I'm older? When you stop holding my hand?"

 

Daddy's eyes watered and he nodded. "Yes, that's right."

"It's for when you blossom and grow and live your own life."

 

"People will try to tell you what you can or cannot do."

"But it's truly not up to them. It's only up to you."

 

"If you want to paint, or sing, or act, or write, or teach..."

"If you want to be a doctor, or a pilot, nothing is out of reach."

 

"Never be afraid of what your heart screams for inside."

"It can take some time to find it, just don't give up, all right?"

 

"When you figure out what you want, and you see that door in sight,"

"Take your chance at happiness. Grab on to it nice and tight."

 

"Throw that door wide open and jump in without hesitation."

"Don't second-guess yourself. Live without reservation."

 

"If you find what you love, great. If you don't, not to fret."

"You must try every door you can to live without regret."

 

I was quiet for a moment, thinking it all through.

"Daddy," I said, "did you open the right door for you?"

 

With his head hanging low, he said, "No, I did not."

"I didn't know I had a choice because I wasn't taught."

 

"So I'm telling you now, while you're still small,"

"You do have a choice. You can be anything at all."

 

Then, the bell rang and the guards walked in.

"See you soon, love. Only two weeks left in prison."

 

"I have a question!" I screamed and everyone looked at me, perplexed.

I leaned across the table and asked, "Which door will you open next?"

 

 

-H.C. Herman