Dreams. They’re all over the place in Bless Me, Ultima. Tony has a lot of dreams when he sleeps, but I’m talking about a different definition of dreams that are present in the novel. I’m talking about the type of dream that’s an aspiration, or goal, something you work towards achieving. We all have those types of dreams, I know I do! Its clear, from early on in the novel that Tony’s mother wants him to be a priest, this is HER dream for HIS life, and she never lets him forget it.
“I hope you will use your knowledge to carry out God’s will. You are a very bright boy, you understand so much, you can be a great leader, a priest—I do not want you to waste your life in dreams, like your father. You must make something of yourself, you must serve the people. The people need good leaders, and the greatest leader is a priest.”
Some parents are like this. I’ve met them before. It also reminded me of a movie that illustrates this really well. It’s called “Center Stage” and is about young adults aspiring to be part of a well-known ballet company. (start watching at 2:30 and stop at 5:20 if you want)
Alright… what the heck is wrong with this poor girl’s mom?! Does she even care about her daughter and what SHE wants? She says she does but I don’t know… She's just living her dream through her daughter. Is that was Tony’s mother is like? Of course she coudn't be a priest but maybe she really did want to be a leader, someone who could help others, at some point in her life. Reading the novel, at times it seems like Tony really does want to become a priest, but then I second guess it because I swear since all she ever talks to him is about becoming a priest, that's just what he THINKS he wants. How does she know that’s the best thing for him? The other beef I have with Tony’s mom, is what’s so bad about having dreams? She tells Tony that they’re a waste… but I beg to differ. Obviously, there’s a balance to be found in all things and its true that our parents can be influential in helping us shape our dreams (I always dreamed of going to BYU because my mom and dad went there and i heard what a wonderful place it was... but they didn't shove that dream upon me at all). But why do people, especially parents, sometimes say these things to hopeful, young kidlets? Are they trying to protect us from pain that may come when our dreams aren’t realized? I understand that, but maybe that’s part of the learning process for us. Its like what we’re taught as missionaries, you have to set goals that are reasonable… but who’s to say what’s reasonable and what’s not? Maybe I’ll never know. But for now, I would echo the words, "If you want something, go get it. Period." Just be sure its a dream they really do want to accomplish, not yours.
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