Sunday, May 04, 2008

Oh that man...

Mark is home, CrazyDog is now happy, and all is well. :)

I was shamelessly lazy yesterday, I didn't leave the house. Craig told me to take the day off, that they could handle the business and that's exactly what I did. Isn't he the best son ever?

Mark came home excited and eager to get his new career started, and I couldn't be more proud of him. For him, sales is a huge undertaking, he has never done anything of the sort, and when I met him, he wouldn't have even considered such a thing. I am oozing with pride for him this morning, if you all knew him, you would know what I am talking about. He comes from a very solid, hard working family. He knows and understands the value of a dollar, and has worked hard all of his life. When we met, he worked in a factory, and made good money, but hated every second of his job. He never complained, he's just not built that way, but he didn't understand my interest in taking chances with my job life, such as selling cars, etc. I will never forget a conversation that we had before we were married, or even engaged. He told me that he would never, EVER be more than what he is, a factory worker, and a not very smart one at that. He said that his job future was limited by the lack of intelligence that he had. I was blown away - as Mark is a very, very smart man. I told him that I was perfectly fine with anything he chose to do, as he had to be the one that was happy with his job choice, not me. But then I told him that he was way smarter than he knew, and I asked him why on earth did he not already know that? I told him that at his young age back then, (28), he could still do anything on this earth that he wanted to. A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G. He looked at me like I had two heads, and I silently swore at his mother for never bothering to tell him that when he was young. After much conversation, it came out that he had always wanted to go to college, and I told him that he should do just that. Well, he did do just that. He enrolled in a pricey-private school, and the factory that he worked for picked up the tab. Twelve thousand dollars a year, if I remember correctly, for part time attendance. It was the hardest SEVEN years of his life. Yes, I said SEVEN long years. We have always lived in a small town in the southern part of the state,because I was unwilling to uproot my kids again, and he had to drive more than an hour to his job. Then after work, he would drive for another hour in a different direction to school. He would leave for work about three-thirty am. AM! And then get off of work, drive to school, that usually began between 6-7 pm. Then drive home, arriving most nights around midnight. Then he would get up and go to work again at three thirty the next morning. On the evenings that he had no class, he would be sitting in front of the computer for hours, typing out another paper that was due. He now has a bachelors degree in business administration, with a minor in accounting. I could not have been prouder of him, not even if he was my own child. I saw the determination, the desire, and the sheer willpower that it took for him to finish. The funny part is, I have always been the one that folks thought of as the STRONG one in this relationship, and there is no way on God's Green Earth that I could have done what he did. Not even if my life depended on it. Oh, and I should tell you, he maintained at least a 3.5 grade average each and every year. He worked at that factory for another two years, as he had to to keep them from coming back at him for the money they spent on his college degree, and let me tell you it was ALOT. Then as soon as he could, he took the opportunity to leave and acquire a couple of years experience running the ice cream store, to further along his experience for the someday, should he need it. And that time has come. I want him to be so successful, he can't stand himself. Not because of the money, although we all know that's helpful in every way, but because I want him to see that he can. He just CAN. Mark has more integrity in his little finger than most of us would ever have in our whole bodies. I am proud of him, I LIKE him, as well as love him.

I hope I haven't bored you all too much, but sometimes these things just need to be said. So, please wish him well. I certainly do. :)

15 comments:

Mary said...

Getting through full time work and advanced education is an awsome undertaking. Not many can manage to accomplish getting through to a degree. Mark is a winner in more ways than one. All the traits you mention belong to a winner and in addition he has a soul mate who loves and appreciates him. The two of you, working together, can surmount any adversity. This is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter in your lives.

Golden To Silver Val said...

I'm so happy for you both. Yep, kid,you got one of the good ones. It is especially wonderful that you LIKE him as well as love him. Most people don't realize how important that factor is. Here's wishing you both the best. Big hugs!! Charlotte

fiwa said...

I agree with what Val said - you're so lucky to have the LIKE as well as the love. I personally think the like is what gets you through the hard times.

What a beautiful post - I hope Mark gets the chance to read it. Way to go Mark, you knock 'em dead at this new job! Man, all you need to do is print this post and take it to them, and they'll be floored! Be proud of yourself, you have worked hard and you are obviously much, much smarter than you give yourself credit for.

I'm so glad you are both getting the chance to shine and be happy.

I'm bursting with happiness for you both!
fiwa :)

SOUL said...

you know i wish him well.. you tell him i said so k?
i;m glad he's home.. you and crazy dog need him there.

anyhow-- i'm on my way to naps-ville. i slept like a bayby --with colic, and an ear infection last night -- sposed to be a joke but i realized it really is an UGH.

anyhow--

i caught you a delicious bass-- go see
he's about big enough to floss yer teeth with :))

i'll look for ya later -
0x

Cheryl said...

I'm so glad you told us about Mark. To say the least, I'm so very impressed with the hard work and sacrifice he went through to get his degree. It really does show that anything's possible if you put your mind to it. Way to go Mark. I feel like I know you better now that I know more about him.

Moohaa said...

Congratulations Mark! Best of luck with the new career.

Your love shines through so much Jamie. You are a blessed woman.

Anonymous said...

You are such a great person..and so supportive of Mark. And Mark is an outstanding person too... determined, driven, never give-up attitude...and does what it takes to get it done. I myself would NEVER be able to do what he did for 7 years... kudos to him! I really wish him the best of luck in his new job..and I bet he becomes top in sales in virtually no time at all!

Maria said...

I love him too now....

And you and I are a lot alike. I worked to get my career, but that was the hardest I have ever worked.

I come home and night and crash.

Bing works all day at a high risk school and then teaches piano lessons one night a week and drum lessons on the other. She also takes lots of weekend gigs with musical groups. She is always working, always has something on the back burner....

I am SO glad that you had Mark when the chips were down and the luck was hard and you were in so much pain.

Rebecca said...

Your post about Mark is just beautiful. I am so glad you were there at that pivotal moment in his life so that he could begin to see himself as you saw him. It was a rough storm you guys just weathered. I am so very happy you seem to have come out of it even stronger than when you went in. Life is good. Blessings are bountiful. Thank you for sharing.

Amanda said...

It's not boring at all. It's beautiful. Best of luck Mark!

bonnie said...

Oh what a beautiful post. I think you both have enormous strength... and courage, my goodness, gobs of courage. I'm so happy for you both, that you have each other's love and respect. Good work, beautiful!

desert dirt diva said...

I am so happy that things are going well with mark and you... are you ready for the city life?.. thats such an adjustment.. if i ever do move back to the city.. it will not be L.a. maybe in another state.. where to me it would be like moving to another town....
yes and it is a good thing to like and also love ur husband.....i too also like and love my dave... most times...

ac said...

I loved reading this. Such a touching tribute you your guy is NOT boring!

A good man is a blessing sent from heaven. I'm so glad you got a good one. ac

Karen said...

What an incredibly beautiful post Jamie. You know I also encouraged my husband to study so he could do something he loved and although it was very tough financially because he wasn't working, we got through it and now he is reaping the rewards.

Good luck with your new career Mark. You'll be great.

Portia said...

Awesome story. You guys are sweet together. Reading about it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy:)