20 More than an Airhead

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As little Oxygen sat on the porch swing with her grandpa, she said to him, “Grandpa, all the other elements at school say that the only thing a girl oxygen can do when she grows up is fill up party balloons. They say I’m just an airhead.”

Grandpa looked at her puzzled, “Well,” he said, “let’s ask Maggie what she thinks about oxygens, she’s on her way over right now.”

Little Oxygen looked up with pure excitement, she loved Maggie Magnesium!  She ran down the hill to meet Maggie. Maggie handed her a basket of fresh sweet corn from her field and asked what was going on. Oxygen began to tell her about the bullying happening at school and Maggie put an arm around her shoulder and smiled. “Oxy you aren’t just an airhead, you can do so much more! I used to struggle thinking all I could be was a farmer but my cousin Magnesium Chloride really opened up my eyes!  She joined the medical field as a supplement for people with low magnesium levels. I never realized how important we are, but magnesium is essential for life, just like you are, Oxygen!”

Oxygen looked confused and asked,“Medical field??  Is that like a different kind of corn field??”

Maggie and grandpa Oxygen laughed and grandpa said, “No sweetheart, it’s using science and medicine to help people feel better.  Your cousin, Oxyhemoglobin, is actually in the same line of work. She rides through the human body on a red blood cell and helps all the cells and tissues do what they need to do!”

Maggie went on, “Even my brother surprised me with the job he got working in entertainment, I never thought it was possible but he really lights up a room!” said Maggie. “Magnesium can burn brighter than most other elements, so he started putting on firework shows.”

Oxygen was amazed! “FIREWORKS?!? I love fireworks!!!! How did he find out he could do that?”

Grandpa told her, “Elements are meant to explore and expand their capabilities.  Some oxygens, like Aunt Rocket, work for NASA, making fuel for rockets! And your Uncle Nitrous Oxide works as a comedian!”

Oxygen giggled, “He’s so silly. He makes me laugh!”

Maggie interjected, “Most elements are capable of so much more than they think, heck, even my job!  It seems humble being a farmer but without magnesium, photosynthesis could not occur and the world would look very different!”

“Photo-who??” questioned Oxygen.

“Photosynthesis, it’s a process plants undergo to create their energy,” said Maggie.

“So you’re telling me that our food needs food?!?” asked Oxygen.

Maggie and grandpa laughed, “You betcha,” grandpa said, “that’s why Maggie is always bringing corn over.  She grows it herself.”

“So I don’t have to fill party balloons when I grow up??” Oxygen asked hopefully.

“Heck no, you can do whatever your heart desires. Who knows, you might find something new that oxygen can do.” said grandpa. “But do you know what my favorite thing is to do?  I just like to sit here with you, and be the air.”

Oxygen smiled, “I like it too! Maggie, you should try to be air!!”

Maggie laughed, “I wish! While magnesium can be in gas form, it will never be just like oxygen, you’re special in that way!”

“Wait…can all elements be a gas?!?” Oxygen asked.

“Yep, any element can be gas, solid or liquid. But because we’re all different, those states come at different temperatures for each element,” grandpa Oxygen told her.

“So I could be a solid!?” questioned Oxygen.

“If it got cold enough you absolutely could!” exclaimed Maggie.

Oxygen thought that was exciting. “Yay!!! I really CAN be anything! I can’t wait to show the kids at school they were all wrong about me!!”

“I can’t wait either! I know you’ll choose to do something great! For now let’s go inside and have some supper.” said grandpa.

“Yayy!! I love suppertime! Thanks for bringing us corn, Maggie! Are you eating with us?” asked Oxygen.

Maggie looked up happily, “Why, I would love too!”

The three of them went inside to have a good meal and talk more about all of the things little Oxygen could be when she grew up.

Fun Facts:

Humans store about 20 grams of magnesium in their body, most of which is in their bones!

Oxygen is solid at temperatures below -362 degrees Fahrenheit.  Solid oxygen is a pale blue color!