Dragons, fairies, witches, wizards, Santa, elves, werewolves, vampires, angels, and cupid. You could find someone who believes in at least one of these things at any local mall. Well of course, you say. That’s easy; little kids believe in dragons and Santa, Christians believe in angels, and certain cults think they’re witches or vampires. But, I counter, can you find someone who believes in all of these? Now you’re stuck at a seemingly dead end, but look a little closer and you’ll find me. And I believe in all of them.
You might find it strange that I, a biology major and science geek, would believe in such things as witches and Santa. But, I am also a fan of the science-can’t-explain-everything rule. Because really, if science could explain everything life would be really dull. Haunted houses wouldn’t scare us, and Christmas wouldn’t be magical. Knowing everything kinda takes all the fun out of living really.
So who do I blame for this belief in things unproven, you ask? Well, I suppose I have my mom to thank for this. When I asked my mother one year if Santa was real, she responded with “What do you believe Caitlin?” After several seconds of brow furrowed thought I responded, “I think he’s real” and so I was ruined. Of course if you believe for too long your childhood friends think it is their duty to have you “see the light”. This happened in third grade when I was figuratively held down and forced to acknowledge that Santa did not exist. I know what you’re thinking now; liar is skimming though your brain but wait! Even though I don’t believe in a man dressed in red that flies around in a sleigh pulled by reindeer doesn’t mean I don’t believe in Santa. To me Santa is the one who gets presents for foster children, makes sure struggling families have things to eat, and helps bring the magic back to those who had lost it. I’m talking about school programs, organizations, and even the kid clubs who sing at veteran and nursing homes. They are the real Santa’s that come out every year to keep the belief alive.
With this mind set I continue to believe in all the things science has tossed aside, from dragons to Cupid; though when really thought about there has to be a cupid (some people just wouldn’t fall in love without him). And so when I’m watching an old movie of Peter Pan and he asks, “Do you believe in fairies?” I answer back a definite, “Yes, yes I believe in fairies.”