Next Phase

Celebrating a rite of passage.

Seems like just last week we watched from the window as Kaylee went to get the mail and found her college acceptance packet. We have the video to prove she does run.

Today it is Caleb’s turn to celebrate. Today he was notified of his placement with ABCO Automation as part of the Guilford Apprenticeship Program. Essentially, he will begin working this summer for them and will work with them during his final year of high school. The program is designed so employers pay for the students tuition and books and even pay the student to sit in class at GTCC while he earns an associates degree.

He will focus on welding and is almost finished with his second set of welding classes at GTCC as part of a wonderful opportunity for students to take classes at the community college during their high school career.

I remember being at Formula Drift in Atlanta with Caleb when he was in eighth grade. During a break in the action there was a video advertisement on the big screen for a mechanic’s school. Caleb tentatively asked “What if I did something like that?”

For Shelley and I, college was a big push. Our parents and teachers pushed us toward college. We both worked hard for our degrees and Caleb knew we valued education. Kaylee was a good student and college was always in the plan for her. She liked school and did well. Sometimes big sis’ shoes are hard to fill. I think he assumed Shelley and I would be disappointed if he didn’t do college. So he was surprised at my answer I think.

“I know a young man from Burke County who did that and not only is he loving his job, he has all kinds of opportunities and makes a good living already in his mid twenties.”

“Really?” I think he was waiting for the but. There wasn’t one.

College isn’t for everybody. In many ways, college educations these days are overpriced and undervalued. We have pushed millions of kids into mountains of school loans and many are struggling to pay it back. Many leave school with no real career path or immediate job opportunities. Now, don’t get me wrong, we are thrilled with the education Kaylee is getting at Liberty and for the community that is speaking into her life there. We wouldn’t have it any other way. But it’s not for everybody.

I followed up with, “Really. College isn’t for everyone. You can make a good living doing what you really enjoy if you work hard and get good at it. There are all kinds of trades that don’t involve college and have great opportunities.”

I’d like to say I got it right because I am an awesome dad. Nope. For once I just thought before I spoke and sensed the pressure he felt to fit into a mold that wasn’t for him. Ask him, I am certain I got it wrong more than right.

Tonight we are celebrating with Bojangles and Krispy Kreme. He’s not a five star menu kinda kid. As we celebrate I have another opportunity to get it right.

I hope as we celebrate tonight, he senses my pride. He’s a great kid with a big heart. He has a servant’s spirit. He has buckled down this year and done well on his virtual classes. He’s learned so much about welding at GTCC this year. He’s amazed me with his skill and understanding. I hope he knows how much I love him.

I hope as we celebrate I speak life into his heart and breathe wind into his sails. I hope I take more opportunities to hear what’s behind a question and answer with words of life. I am grateful for grace when I haven’t done that.

I am so thankful for the village that has worked with Shelley and me to get Caleb ready for launch. While this list isn’t exhaustive, I don’t intend to leave anyone out. If I do, please overlook my limited brainpower and celebrate with us anyway. Thank you FBC Icard family, Cornerstone family and Definition family. Your prayers, teaching, love and support are an awesome partnership. Thank you to men who’ve taken an interest and encouraged Caleb along the way. Thanks Zeb for being a good influence at GTCC and Mr Dickson at Weaver. Thanks David for bribing Caleb to get good grades with golf. Thanks Chris and Bob for fanning the flame of service. Thanks Papa for your encouragement. Thank you “Maddox Motors” and high school small group for feeding Caleb and letting him join in. Thanks to the rest of you I didn’t call by name.

I wish Grandaddy Mike could have seen you play golf and watch you weld and mechanic. For that matter I wish my father could have seen you too. For now, I have enough pride for both of them.

I love you Little Man,
Dad