SEATTLE - I'm a big believer in following your dream.

I don't believe in abandoning your child.

And this week's "Schrammie" is going to a parent who traded her daughter for a stint in the Navy.

So, would Rebecca Tate, please, come on down.

See, Rebecca's dream is to have a naval career. The problem is, single parents aren't allowed to enlist in the military.

Turns out, that was just a minor problem for Rebecca, who simply gave up custody of her 13-year-old daughter.

Yep. Signed some papers and turned the kid over to grandma.

And then, after surrendering her daughter, Rebecca rhetorically asked: "How can I teach my daughter to live up to her dreams if I don't?"

Well Rebecca, you could start by staying home and actually being her mom!

Now, some folks might see Rebecca as sorta noble, because she abandoned her kid so she could go off and serve her country.

But if you substitute joining the military with, say, the dream of running off to be in the circus, or maybe the one about the dream of hitting the road to become a rock star, is it still noble?

Fact is, kids aren't disposable.

You don't trade them in for some fantasy, military or otherwise.

So: for telling your 13-year-old that white bell-bottoms mean more to you than she does; for tossing your daughter away to play anchors aweigh, take a bow Rebecca, 'cause this "Schrammie's" for you.

Have something to say to Ken? E-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.

It's a lively exchange of information, insight and perspective with two guys who don't agree on much, but still manage to enjoy each other as they tackle issues of the day. Even better, callers are invited in on the verbal action.