The Gardener

Hi Mum, Hi Dad. Hello Dr. Mick. I can see you all there at the clinic. I'm pretty young. Mum and Dad, you seem a bit sad. You're worried about me, aren't you? I am a long way behind the other kindergarten kids. You aren't too sure what lies ahead for me. Hang on, sorry, I think I am being rude. I can be like that sometimes, without meaning to. I should introduce myself, that's right, I remember now. It's Cooper speaking. Future Cooper, that is. I have news. Would you believe me if I tell you that things work out brilliantly? Mum and Dad, you will push yourself to do things for me that you can't imagine yet. We practice a lot of things together when I'm little. Some nice people give you tips on what to do. I learn to talk, write my name, look after myself. You will find a school that really wants me there. Mrs. B, she is a great teacher, you are going to love her. The whole time I am at school, she makes sure I am going well. Jimmy, the school's gardener, will let me help him out. He gives me my own garden, teaches me how to look after it. I will make the front page of the school newsletter one day. The headline will say “Cooper's Green Thumb.” Can you see me there in the picture? Leaning on my garden fork, looking at the plants I've grown. I learn to swim – well! You will be so proud of me when I win races at the school carnival. I still do lots of exercise, it makes me feel good. Dr. Mick….what car do you drive? Ha! A red VE Holden Commodore, of course I remember! Get ready, I am going to ask you this question every time we met. What can I say, I just love cars. Speaking of cars, how about this? I will learn to drive in an old Toyota on my uncle and aunt's farm. This all happens when I am still at school. Relax, it's just around the paddocks, it's fine! I still spend a lot of time down there. I love helping out and learning how to do farm jobs. Right now, I am saving up for my own ute. A Volkswagen Amorak twin cab to be exact. I've always wanted one. I'll keep reminding you about that too, Dr. Mick! Mum and Dad, can you see me as a teenager? At the age of 13, I start putting out our neighbour's bins, just to be helpful. And then another neighbour. And another…. Everyone seems keen for a chat on bin day. I am very reliable they all say. I even earn money for doing it. You know the family in our street with the big yard? One day they see me mowing our lawn. (Did I mention I am great at this?). They ask if I can mow theirs as well. I get paid for this, too! And then another neighbour…. Oh wait, here's my favourite bit. I have my own business now! Lawns and gardens, that's my thing. I am so happy when I am outdoors. Mum and Dad, you help me set it all up. We find some courses to take, so I can learn more skills. Dad, you are driving me to the jobs at the moment. But soon I'll have my own licence…. Anyway, sorry, I've rambled on a bit. Maybe it's hard for you to picture all of this right now? Amazing, isn't it? But this is exactly what happens. Dr. Mick, as you are talking to my parents, be honest about how I am going, and what might happen. But make sure you tell them about this kind of future. You've seen it before; you know it's possible. Mum and Dad, I know you will always worry about me. That's okay. Stay hopeful though! The future is a good place for me.