Leaving to Live
Katie and I moved to OKC two years ago with the idea of spending more time with family. When we moved back, we knew that eventually the family dynamic would change. Sunday our oldest (Cody) will leave for Mammoth Lakes California. He has taken a job as a ski lift mechanic. He and Katie will start the journey in his old pickup truck early Sunday am. They will drive the first night to Denver and then spend the next night camping in Utah. Katie is NOT so certain about this camping thing. She’s not much for roughing it. Wednesday night they will pull into Mammoth where he will begin his new career. Friday Katie will fly out and life will begin fresh and anew for Cody.
He is excited that he is working in a field that matches his training, interest, passions, and hobbies. In his words, “I can work four ten-hour days and snowboard the other three.” It is easy to see why he is excited. Personally, I’m happy to see him do something that he really enjoys. Those kinds of jobs don’t come along very often. You see, he’s a guy who likes the idea of working outside, fixing things, working with his hands, making something that he can be proud of. It sounds much like the type of vocation that most of us are looking for. You know, fix, build, restore, and take pride in our work. The reality is that kind of job is not always easy to find. Too often we end up in jobs that are challenging on their best days and emotionally draining on their worst.
He told his mother and I the other night (I don’t believe he will mind me saying this) that he’s a little nervous. I must confess that I am nervous for him. Moving across the country where you know no one is not easy. Trying to find your footing and establish new relationships takes work. It’s not easy moving out of your comfort zone and into a new way of life two time zones away. I know from experience. Katie and I have moved nine times in six different cities. We have lived in every USA time zone but one. We have celebrated the adventure together, made countless friends, and at times realized that in a new city we were the only friends we had.
I know Cody well enough to know that he will make friends. He is a friend. He is kind, generous, willing to help others, and interested in what makes others tick. He’ll make friends. It just takes a little time.
While I am excited and nervous for him, most of all I’m proud of him. You see, he’s taking the risk. He’s seeking out the adventure. He’s following his dream. He’s willing to push beyond his comfort zone to test the boundaries of his work and career. It would certainly be easier and safer to stay put, but challenging yourself in these ways often makes you stronger, allows you to see the world in new ways, and gives you the chance to understand how others live. It stretches you in ways that just can’t be found when you stay put.
Oh, I will miss the young man. I love him more than words describe. I can’t wait to see where life takes him. I’m sure there will be good days and bad days, but he will enjoy the journey and be a stronger man having walked the path.
Cody, have fun in Mammoth. I love you!
—Dad
