Hilarie: Here’s to a future delving into the past

Feb 20 2010 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

But this has never been our style. If my five decades have taught me anything, it’s that dreams should be followed rather than snuffed out because life is not a rehearsal and we are fortunate to live in a time and place that affords opportunity for those who dare. But it’s a one-shot experience.

So if she wants to borrow the money and go to university to dig up old bones, that’s entirely up to her. We’ll be right behind her in a supportive role.

Also, the sudden interest in archaeology is, on reflection, not so sudden. As well as having a passion for knights and dragons, our daughter was a youthful authority on ancient Egypt in general and Queen Cleopatra in particular. Her Year 5 summer project was focussed entirely on Cleopatra’s complicated family and love life. And her second favourite book as a child was a Horrible History.

To be entirely truthful, part of me is actually quite envious of her future, delving into the past. It’s something that I would have loved to do.

And, as I said to her the other day, someone has to do it. So why not her?

Even if it all comes to naught, I’m also glad she’s now got something to focus on and aim for. Aspiration is one of the keys to success.

But woe betide the parent who attempts to fulfil their own aspirations through their children. We’ve had our chance, now it’s their turn.

“Please stop telling me that you always wanted to be an archaeologist,” said The Girl, the other day. “It’s very annoying.’’

“It’s like the time you wrote about me playing the guitar and said you’d quite fancied being a rock star.’’

She knows me so well.