McBride's pursuit of his own dreams from "summary" of The Color of Water by James McBride
From an early age, I knew that my dreams were different from those of my siblings. While my brothers and sisters were content to stay in our small town and follow the path laid out for them, I felt a restless yearning deep within me. I wanted more, I wanted something different. I wanted to pursue my dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed.
When I told my mother about my dreams, she didn't understand. She had sacrificed so much to provide for us, to give us a better life than she had. To her, my dreams were a luxury we couldn't afford. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I was meant for something greater, that there was a world out there waiting for me to explore.
I spent years chasing my dreams, facing obstacles and setbacks at every turn. There were times when I felt like giving up, like maybe my mother was right and I was just being foolish. But deep down, I knew that I had to keep going, that I had to keep pushing forward no matter what.
And slowly but surely, my dreams started to become a reality. I worked hard, I persevered, and I never lost sight of what I wanted. And in the end, all the struggles and sacrifices were worth it. I had achieved my dreams, I had proven to myself and to the world that I was capable of anything I set my mind to.
Looking back now, I realize that my pursuit of my dreams wasn't just about achieving success or recognition. It was about proving to myself that I was capable of taking control of my own destiny, of shaping my own future. It was about breaking free from the limitations that others tried to impose on me, and forging my own path in life.
In the end, my pursuit of my dreams wasn't just about reaching a specific goal or destination. It was about the journey itself, about the growth and self-discovery that came from chasing after something I believed in with all my heart. And I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world.
