Tyson is home from CHP, and he is not going back.
We spoke on Thursday around noon, it was clear from our conversation it was shaping up to be a pretty tough day but there wasn't much time to talk. I could tell he was having doubts at that point, but we agreed by the end of the discussion that he should 'pick up his gun' and give it another shot. He did just that, but despite all his best intentions it was evident pretty quickly this arrangement was not going to work out for the long term. He walked in the front door a little after 8pm that night.
We knew heading into this that the training academy is not for the faint of heart. It is said to be one of the toughest military-style academies in the nation. It is designed to be this way for the specific purpose of the nature of the job itself. All of this makes sense on paper, but I think you can read all the brochures and watch all the videos and want to be something so bad for all the best reasons without actually realizing what it means to sacrifice yourself for a cause without being there in the flesh.
I have to say I was pretty surprised to have him home so quickly, and it would be easy for either of us to be disappointed or beat ourselves up over the ordeal. But now that a few days have gone by and we've had time to process, we realize we've learned so many valuable lessons for ourselves both individually and as a family.
We learned that God's timing (not our own!) is perfect, and that there are no short cuts or fast tracks to his plan for our lives.
We learned that you can never put a price tag on being separated from the ones who help to make you feel whole.
We learned that no job is worth trying to be something you just weren't made to be, and that you just can't be good at everything.
We learned that we are thankful for our family and our home, and that the McDermott family is exactly where we are supposed to be right now, no matter how much greener that grass might look.
We learned that recession sucks a**, but that most everyone is feeling a pinch and we are not above this. We just need to try to be patient!
And we learned that we are there for each other, for better or worse. Together, we have come a long way, and together we have much further to go.
Tyson was not made to be a cop for the California Highway Patrol. He was made to be in our family (a most important part!!).
I think at the end of the day, we are the only cause he is prepared to give his life for directly. And that is great news to me (because its less likely he will ever have to)!
So back to that trusty old map and compass we go as we patiently await the sight of land with the rest of middle America. It looks a little bit further away at the moment, but we have plenty of things on board to nuture and enjoy while the time passes by.
3 comments:
I'm glad that he decided to come home since he knew it wasn't the right fit instead of forcing himself to do something that he hated. There is nothing worse than having a job that you don't like (well, I guess there are a lot of things worse.... but it still sucks:) and it wouldn't be worth it to have such a dangerous job if you hated it.
Plus, I have been super worried that he was going to graduate and then you guys would have to move for him to get a job, so glad that's not going to happen!
I am proud of Tyson for trying the CHP job out because he wanted what was best for his family. That definately deserves props. It is even more courageous to know when something doesn't fit. Obviously this wasn't a fit and there are bigger and BETTER plans out there for him. You guys will be fine because you guys are fabulous. I am sure of it!
And on a more selfish note, I am glad too that you won't have to move away. Even though we don't see each other all that often, you guys are a very important part of our lives.
You guys are so strong and always have each other (and us!) no matter what! I am glad you guys won't be moving away and that we still get to do gymnastics with Anabelle!
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