Saturday, March 12, 2011

Mikey's Prickly Decision

Let me preface this post by saying
how proud we are of our Mikey.

He has worked so hard and has wanted
to be a part of the Pr*fessional Gardener's Pr*gram
at L*ngwood Gardens for years!
Literally.

From the High School Internship Program
to
working as a Seasonal Employee
this has been his dream.


However....
This week he made the very surprising and 
impactful decision to step out of the program.

After two full months it had become painfully clear
to him that he was not a good fit.

I guess we were all a bit stunned to find out
that most, if not all, of the others in the program
already had horticulture degrees.
He is an early high school graduate with 
a passion for landscaping.

He said to us on Wednesday when
he discussed his options with us...
"I just want to work with someone and
ask them tons of questions."
He is a hands on learner.
It was this that actually earned him
a spot in the program.
The gardeners he worked with loved
his questions and hard work ethic.
He learned so very much that way.
None of it is wasted!
We, and he, are very grateful 
for this opportunity!


So....he is officially home.
Although, ironically he went back
for one more night with his new friends.
He is sad and worried about letting everyone down.
I know that this took so much courage.
It was a true honor to be accepted into this 
program and he did NOT take it lightly.

We will see where things go from here
but he is young.


For now his former employer...
the one who hired him at the 
young age of fourteen...
seems pleased to have him 
back for the Summer.
Yep!
Mikey went there straight away.
He is not letting any grass grow under
his feet.
That is so Mikey!

Life.
Unknown.
Unexpected.

Welcome Home Mikey!
We love you
and support your decision.

11 comments:

Theresa said...

Well, I know you are proud of Mikey for following his heart! So many ignore that voice telling them to do something different!

Have a blessed weekend dear Becky! HUGS!

Vee said...

As long as Mike is following where the Lord leads, all will be well. It just doesn't get any simpler than that. He is one amazing kid and I know that the Lord has big plans for him. May your entire family have a great weekend!

Melissa G said...

Where's that verse in Psalms that says "a man plans his ways but the Lord directs his step." =) So glad your son is allowing the Lord to direct his steps. I can understand how painful and hard it can be to change direction and step forward in faith even though you can't see very far ahead of you. And that feeling of letting every one down is so hard too! Will be praying for you all!

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Great shots. We love cactus.

Darryl and Ruth : )

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

He made a very mature decision. He learned about his learning style and more of what he wants, and how he would like to go about learning it. That is a benefit to him.

Phyllis said...

We are proud of Mikey as well. He has worked hard to follow his desire. Sometimes it is not sa fit. We may want to do something but God has other plans. There is no shame in changing your mind and going perhaps in a different direction. It took courage to tell you all becaue I am sure he did not want to disappoint you and be seem as a failure. He is not. He is a hard working young man and will now look in a different direction.

Tracy said...

I think it was great maturity on his part to realize that the fit wasn't right. Good good him, and good for you for supporting him!

Unknown said...

Congrats to Mikey for having thought through his goals & desires. You should be proud of this wonderful young man.

Happy St. Paddy's Day ~
Have a wonderful weekend ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

CSN GIVEAWAY ENDS 3/17

Anonymous said...

As I read your post, my thoughts were "Mikey is still young; he is still finding his way." He is well ahead of others his age. He knows what field interests him. Mikey has done well and will continue to do so!

Gayla said...

Good for him! Much love!

Karen said...

You are such great, supportive parents. Mikey is blessed to know that you are behind him, whatever direction his life takes. That is such a powerful thing for a young adult.

I pray God will bless Mikey's pursuit of the path God has for him.