Over the years Eli has always shared with us that he plans on being an Engineer. He started off building lego kits labeled 'Ages 9-14' when he was just 4 years old (completely unsupervised by me or Jeff). That began our verbal affirmation of him early on of "wow Eli you're quite the Engineer bud!", and of course this was reinforced by Grampa and other friends and family who have seen his builds.
In the last few year he's shared that he'd like to build things for Mars. He talked about designing rovers and space ships, what kind of things he would include on them and how they would do things that currently can't be done.
Recently he has shifted and started to share that he'd like to be on one of the first manned missions to Mars. He brought it up again this morning and we had a nice little chat. With the first manned mission planned for 2030 Eli knows he will be 24. I said "Eli, that means I won't see you for at least 5 years 
:( " He says back "Mom, people who go to Mars most likely won't be coming back :( sorry." And just like that he was aware of the risk and consequences (at least on some level for a 10 year old). That part, most of all was what surprised me...he knows that he might never return and yet that's already a part of his decision.
:( " He says back "Mom, people who go to Mars most likely won't be coming back :( sorry." And just like that he was aware of the risk and consequences (at least on some level for a 10 year old). That part, most of all was what surprised me...he knows that he might never return and yet that's already a part of his decision.
As sad as that seems, he's right. We talked about how God is always in control of when we are done here on earth. Ultimately it's Him to who chooses when our time is up. We don't have to fear because if we follow the path He has for us then we can trust to know that no matter what we are SAFE...even if it means our time here is shorter then we might have hoped. He of course logically agrees.
If there's anything about this kid that is true (and those of you who know him will eagerly nod) when his mind is set on something nothing can deter his will. It is this same will that somedays feels like one long battle of arguments and reasons WHY something should be the way should be (and brings me to the edge of my sanity), yet this is the very SAME part of him that will allow him the ability to do things most humans will never consider. It will easily override the seamlessly endless dangers of attaching yourself to a giant rocket, whizzing through space for 7-9 months and living on a planet that is uninhabitable for human life.
I will miss him greatly when he goes and you heard it here first, Eli Adams will very likely be one of the first humans to ever walk on Mars.
If your child is expressing interest in space exploration, here's a great outline for how to prepare! Start now if they are serious! Learning basic robotic programing and even learning Russian will get you well on your way to be considered for the program.
How to Become an Astronaut by Andrew Tarantola :: Gizmodo
Kim
