It is a whirlwind of emotions. This may not have been MY personal journey but the stress of it all most certainly took a toll on our everyday lives. Up until this past Tuesday, Nate woke up every single day with the realization that anything could happen and all of this could have been for nothing. And I didn’t really know how to support that. It’s hard to tell someone that you understand how they’re feeling when you know that you really don’t. I never doubted for one second that he would make it through to the end. I just knew how hard he was working and studying. Every moment was consumed by preparing for tests, quizzes, drills, etc. He has been eating, breathing, and sleeping this stuff.
Photo credit to the Lexington Fire Department FaceBook PageSo today I get to watch Nate and all of his classmates walk across a stage and graduate. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of them and getting to know their families just a bit. They are all wonderful people! I barely know them but I feel like we have all been in this together. I can see why it is said that in this profession it feels like you have a second family. I can only imagine how much more I’ll learn about that feeling as Nate begins working!
Nate – I am so proud of you! You put it all on the line for this job and now you are on the other side of it looking back at all you have accomplished. I have been stressed for you and anxious for you – but I have never once felt doubt, ever. I have been at peace about the outcome since the day you applied. I have probably been annoyingly optimistic. 😀 But when you know, you know. And I knew this was your path without a doubt. Landon and I are so thankful for you and all that you do for our family. We are just so proud of you! We love you so much!
