Our oldest daughter, Tami, came home Saturday for a few days. We are leaving later today (Tuesday) for Indianapolis to spend the night. She has an early morning “shadowing” to do and rather than leave real early in the morning and fight the Indy traffic she decided to go up today and spend the night at a hotel close by. (She is a chip of her mother’s block for sure). They asked me to go with them. I know it is so I can drive my truck and not really because they want my company. 🙂
If a father is allowed to have a daughter as a hero, I am one. I am extremely proud of both my girls, and couldn’t be more proud of Tami than I am right now. After 10 years in one school in Knoxville, (a magnet school the principal said no teacher should teach at for more than 3-5 years), she is embarking on a new venture. She wants to get closer to family (translated: her nephew, Braden), and her aging parents (man, did I just say that?), so she is making the move to hopefully teach in either Indiana or Ohio. She has been through a lot this past year or so. Health issues, many largely brought on by her job. Professional issues (she needed to get out of that school). Family issues (aforementioned family). It is a big step for her without a doubt. At her age (did I say she turns __ in just over a week and a half?) it takes a lot to start over. She had security, tenure, and a solid income, but as I told her, all that is worthless if your physical and mental health continues to deteriorate due to stress.
She is taking the plunge. Whether she will teach again, I don’t know. Whether she will go for more of a one-on-one approach, I don’t know. Whether it will still be in the education field, I don’t know. Where she will land, I don’t know. She will stay with us until she does find something. While neither she, nor I, know where she will land, there is ONE who does. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a man (or woman) are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” I believe that firmly. Tami’s favorite verse is Zephaniah 3:17.
Out of my three family members, Tami not only comments occasionally on my blog, but is also the most consistent in reading it. So I know she will read this: I love you, Tami, and am proud of you. Happy 40th birthday early (June 3rd). Ooops. Ya gotta love me!!!
Happy (almost) birthday to your daughter. It does take a lot to start over but it really is cool to watch God direct those steps. It will be exciting to watch God do His thing in Tami’s life. 🙂
You know what it is like to start over Eileen. Appreciate your thoughts. (Congrats on the new job)
Don’t you just wanna be like your kids when you grow up? That’s exactly how I feel!
You’re a good daddy …
Sometimes I do wish I was young enough to take certain risks and start over.
Great post, brother. You’re a blessed man. Happy birthday to Tami! Hers is the same day as my youngest. I’m praying for you and all of yours, Bill.
Hope she sees this comment Floyd. Tell your youngest I said Happy Birthday to her. Appreciate your prayers.
Actually that is not a bad verse to cling to. “He will quiet you by his love.” Good stuff.
Yes it is Daniel. It is good to have “a verse.” It is even better when that verses takes hold and is applicable.
Hi Bill! What a beautiful passage from Zephaniah. Yes, I know that’s what God thinks of your beautiful daughter. How thoughtful of her to come by you in an age when most parents are planning moves to be around their children who moved away.
My girlfriends daughter taught in Ferguson, Missouri this past year and it was very hard. I can understand what a challenge her last job was, and what a toll it took on her. I hope she will find just the right thing for her, a place that needs her.
Have a safe drive!
Ceil
It is unique that she is trying to find some place closer to us. We are excited about it. I like your first comment also Ceil. I know that is exactly what God thinks of Tami. She will find a place, I know, which is just right for her.
It takes a great deal of courage and faith to pull up roots and start over again. May God guide Tami all the way!
Blessings, Bill!
It does Martha. I know God will guide her.
You’re never too young (or old) to take a bold step! Happy Returns to your daughter (and you)
Thanks Ed. She is still young (compared to me) and yes, she is taking a bold step.
Happy almost Birthday to Tami. Our daughter, Angie, turns 40 in August. It’s hard to say isn’t it? 🙂 You should hear my dad talk about how OLD his daughter is! What a great verse to share. Tami is blessed to have you and know her heavenly Father well. I know it blesses you as well.
Thanks Deb. The greatest compliment of all is “she knows Jesus.” 40 huh? That puts us close to the same age. LOL
Well, I hate we’re losing an East Tennessee resident, but what a great reason why.
I agree.
I wish your daughter a happy birthday(although 40 was not a number I looked forward to) and even more a happy outcome to her decision to forsake her current situation and explore the possibility of a better one. I have done that several times and was always glad I did.
I’m not sure what Jesus has to do with it. If he has a plan he is not sharing his thoughts.
Maybe Tami just needs to find a good man (there might be one in Spencer) and live happily ever after.
I hope it all turns out.
I’m hoping for that happy outcome also jeff. Thanks for thinking of her. As for the man…. I do believe, however, it will turn out okay.
Don’t you just love it when your kids reach beyond all that you ever dreamed for them in terms of a good and upright character and commitment? I am so very proud of both my son and my daughter for all that they have overcome and all that they have accomplished.Saying a prayer for Tami as she walks this new path.
it sort of makes a parent proud wouldn’t you say? 🙂 I can sense your pride in your two as well Pam. Thanks for saying that prayer.