At Twenty
by Thomas · 18 June 2026 · Biography & Memoir
Thomas wanted to study engineering at twenty. He just stayed. Sometimes he wonders if he regrets it — no, but he'll ask in the next life. His son can already call the calves at seven. He thinks that's good.
When I was twenty I wanted to study mechanical engineering. I told my father and he nodded and said nothing, which with him means: okay but I'm not saying anything. I didn't apply in the end. I could tell you now that was a conscious decision, but that wouldn't be entirely honest.
What happened was: I just stayed after school. One summer, then an autumn, then the harvest wasn't finished and I helped, and somehow it was already March and spring was starting again. That repeated itself for three years. Then I got married. Then the farm was mine.
Sometimes I wonder if I regret the engineering. I usually come to the conclusion: no, but I'll ask in the next life.
What I know is this. I have a son who's seven now and he can already call the calves in from the pasture. I could do that at seven too. That's not an argument for or against anything. I just think it's good.
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