You can learn a lot from Oprah. My mom once saw a dream interpreter on Oprah who explained if you have dream where you can fly, then you are more likely to be successful in life. Of course, Oprah use to dream that she could fly.
Mom: Lacy, have you ever dreamed about flying? (I’m my mom’s only child and she’s got a lot invested in me, so this stuff is really important.) So have you ever dreamed of flying?
Lacy: No, but I once dreamed that I was water skiing on a lake and instead of being pulled by a motor boat I was being pulled by a brown double-wide trailer. And when the double-wide took a sharp right I swung out and hit a chain-link fence and woke up. You think that means anything?
Well, according to Oprah I’m just gonna be a big huge loser. According to Freud I probably have sexual issues with aquatic sports and wood paneling, which I need to resolve. But I don’t feel bad. What does Oprah know? Just because she was born in incredible poverty, molested by virtually every member of her family, and then built herself a media empire in an age when minorities and women were trapped under the glass ceiling and the feathered grey bangs of Phil Donahue -- what does Oprah know about water skiing off a double-wide trailer? She knows nothing. But I know a thing or two. I know that the older a man gets the shorter and tighter he wears his shorts. I know that Canadians put way too much mayonnaise on their hamburgers and not enough material in their swimming trunks. I know that PTAs will always have spaghetti nights. I know that most Catholics and rich people were born that way. I know that no matter how mature I think I am, I will always giggle when I squeeze the last bit of shampoo out of the bottle and get that farting noise.

I know that a dad who can fix your car, unclog a plugged drain, comes home from work with grease on his hands, and eats vanilla ice cream while watching "Law & Order" reruns is way better than a dad who wears a tie to work and boats on the weekends. I know that as long as there are late school buses and rainy days there will always be that kid that swears that it is a school rule that "if the bus doesn’t show up in five minutes...we can leave." I know that where there’s smoke, there’s a hippie. I know that my mom will only put a bra on for special occasions. I know that my cousin will take her bra off for special occasions or for $10. I know that I will never be able to eat a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup as cleverly as they do in the commercials. I know that the American Dental Association will never solve the disappearing/reappearing toothpaste stain problem that plagues us all. I know that my dad will always get the biggest piece of fried chicken.

I know that school lunch ladies will always serve mashed potatoes with an ice cream scooper and will never give you more than six tater tots per tray, no matter how much you beg for more. I know that people will always eat your red LifeSavers if you give them a chance. I know that you shouldn’t go through life not putting the car window down because it might mess up your hair. I know that Buddha is the happiest, fattest, droopiest ear-lobed religious icon since Santa Claus. Oh, I mean Jesus. I know that my Aunt Jan will always call me Miss Lacy Louise, even though that’s not my name. I know that life requires you to cut a two-inch slit into the center meat compartment and heat on high for five minutes, rotating once. I know that when I graduate I will lose my apartment and my job. (Go figure.) I know that my grandma will always root for the Dallas Cowboys and make me an ungodly amount of rice puddin’ when she comes to visit. I know that you can always find the young adults section in a department store by looking for the suspended television sets playing generic MTV.

I know that my parents will never take me to Dollywood for my birthday. I know that when you are young, adults can never think of anything to ask you about other than school and boys. And they never listen to your answers anyway. I know that we’re never gonna switch over to the metric system. I know that my dog has a natural instinct to chase squirrels in the back yard. I know that my grandpa has an instinct nature to complain about the weather and enjoy watching "Cops" and "Judge Judy" way too much. I know that my mom will always take my temperature by placing her cheek on my forehead. I know that the ice world in Super Mario Brothers 3 pretty much sucks. I know that right now on eBay six people are battling it out for a $41 pair of men’s Gianni Versace thong underwear. I know that at least five of those six morons are probably Canadian.

I know that right now, my roommate Rob is eating some sort of canned meat byproduct and looking for the closest can of Natty Ice to wash it down with. I know that he probably just fell out of his chair reaching for one. I know that no matter what I do, my parents and my dog will always love me, whether they want to or not. I know that there’s always a reason to be happy . . . and that’s all I need to know.

I secretly admire someone, just as everyone secretly admires someone else. I have found that people tend to admire those that have something which they lack. Some admire for strength, hope, genius, or looks. I admire for something much greater. I admire for dreams. I admire the dreamer. The dreamer has changed my life. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for having met the dreamer. It is rare when we meet someone who impacts our life, or even be able to acknowledge that someone who has played such an important role in our life. It is even more uncommon if we can tell that person while they are still with us. I have met my fair share of talented and unique individuals, yet one stands out the most. The person that makes the impression on your soul that is permanently tattooed in you forever -- the dreamer.

The dreamer is a mysterious and mystical soul. He chases his dream and leaves a trail of unforgettable memories for all of those he touched. He was the child who wanted to be everything when he grew up. He would say, "When I grow up I want to be a rock star, or an artist, or an actor." He is blessed, for he knows what he wants, and he chases his passion. He craves his dream, and until he catches it he is partial, not whole. Yet, he continues and will chase the dream until he has caught it or can chase no more. I have never had a dream strong enough to tear me between what I have and what I want. I wish that I had. However, I have known the dreamer, and for all of you out there who knows a dreamer, here is my advice to you. Allow yourself to become involved in the dreamer’s journey. He is a drifter, and he needs some foundation to turn to when in need. Be open to the dreamer no matter what time of day or night happens to be.

Do not question the dreamer. Motive him to pursue his dream. Commend him on his dream. Never for a second doubt him or his greatness, for it takes someone truly gifted to desire something so much that he is not whole without it. Be there for the dreamer no matter how much time has passed since your last visit or conversation. He is a traveler and a lone pioneer, but he needs you to be there to just accept, no questions or an "I told you so." He explores unfamiliar territories and meets indescribable people. The dreamer holds so many secrets and has so much to tell, but he withholds his treasures. He may seem to have an impenetrable wall, but that is just a front. Bear with the dreamer. When he is ready, he will penetrate his own wall, and he will share his dream with you. Until then, accept the wall and love the dreamer for all that he offers and all that he hides. Leo Buscaglia once said, "The main function is to help unfold his true self. One will do this by offering all persons the opportunity to show their feelings, express their aspirations and share their dreams."

If you are lucky, the dreamer will share his aspirations with you. The dreamer is a man of mystery. Love the mystery, and know that not all mysteries need to be discovered. Many of the world’s greatest mysteries have never been solved. Never expose a dreamer, for his secrets are part of his dream and his intrigue. Intrigue is something to be admired from afar, a passion for the senses to enjoy. Give the dreamer his freedom, for he is a dreamer and he needs to escape. He needs to be able to leave on the spur of the moment. Do not trap him or keep him down. The dreamer will float to destinations unimaginable and encounter the unknown, but he always returns home to those he trusts -- those who always accept without questions. In the words of Fleetwood Mac: Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. It will be here better than before. Yesterday is gone. Yesterday is gone. Don’t you look back. All I want to do is see you smile.

To the dreamer: All I want to do is see you smile. "You are born to fly, and in dreams you remember the soul has wings," Robert Moss once wrote. Grow your wings and seek out your dreams. Chase your dream and come home in the end, if that is what you desire. For you can always rest your weary feet at our door, and we will always be here to listen to your fantasies. You are a magical soul, and to the dreamer I wish the best of luck. Katie Leicht once remarked, "It’s about choosing to use your life to touch someone else’s life in a way that could have never been achieved. These choices are what life is about." The dreamer has touched lives. He inspires others without knowing it. Our lives change with every breath and every move we make. Breathe your dreams and move ahead. Look back at the ones who care for you with only the fondest memories. You have truly touched their lives regardless of the time spent together.

Maybe one day I’ll have a dream so strong that I will have to chase it. I will not be whole without it. I will be compelled to search out my destination and accomplish my dream. Yet, if you have never known a dreamer, you have missed out on such a magical experience. A dreamer will challenge you to new heights. He will force you to make a dream. He will invade your haven, and you will be forever changed. The dreamer may float out of your life as fast as he danced in, but do not be discouraged. Time knows no bounds, and it will melt away quickly. Your memories will live forever. The scenery will constantly change, but the dream will always remain. Embrace the dreamer. He offers so much and will leave a wonderful path of memories. The dreamer will always be with you, no matter where you hide. Maybe one day you will be the dreamer who will inspire others as my dreamer has unknowingly inspired me. Dreamers are all around, and are just waiting to be found. In the meantime, listen to the dreamer, and allow yourself to accept the complexities that dwell in him. Offer him his haven in your friendship. And above all, continue to dream. Fiona Apple said it best, "You’ll say don’t fear your dreams. It’s easier than it seems. You’ll say never give up or let me fall from hopes so high. But never is a promise." Dream until the day you die.