You can't always get what you want

I'm trying to figure out why I'm afraid to ask people for what I want. As a child, I asked for everything, from a pony to a kid-car (like the General Lee from Dukes of Haz) to every toy in sight.

I was once campaigning hard for a puppy only to be given a baby brother. Really not the same thing. Five-year-olds are not equipped to understand the precious but dull life of a newborn.

Thank goodness that my parents didn't give me everything I asked for. I worry for the young people in this country who expect everything they ask for to be given to them without a price.

But, now that I am older and, we hope, a little more mature, I have to learn how to ask for what I want again. This time, what I want is not just about me, is not totally selfish.

So I'm learning by asking. And hearing "no" is okay. Hearing "yes" is exquisite.