Yesterday I got back from Milwaukee.  My chorus class was down there for a performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.  It was amazing!

But when I got back home last night, I made a realization:
I'm still the only one with a job.

And I'm looking at february...in a differnet light right now.

Since mom doesn't have a job yet, I'll be the one paying bills and stuff...and I'm still in high school.

I'm not sure I'm ready to be paying bills on my own right now...and on top of that, I owe mom money for trips.

on top of that, I owe the local BGC for paying my way for our recent conference.

and on top of THAT, I want to send money to a friend who needs help out of a funk...and BADLY.

and all of that on my mind...PLUS February coming up (mom probably knows already...she'll explain if she wants): I'm starting to wonder if dropping out of school is going to be a good idea to get enough money for bills.

So yeah...I'm in my own little funk.

...but hey; at least it might be a white Yule after all?  They say that miracles happen around this time of year...

Gosh, how do I answer a post like this.

Well, if you were my son, I wouldn't want you to quit school over a problem that is temporary. [smiley=hug.gif]

If you were my son, I would feel so proud for the man you have already become.  

I don't know whether it is a better idea to stay in school or to quit.  I can tell you what my opinion is, but it really doesnt matter.

What I can tell you is this: Staying in school, while seemingly restrictive, keeps options open for you for the rest of your life.  Life is  a bunch of choices.  I like to pick the choices that, while there may be short term difficulty, give me the largest number of options for the preverbial tomorrow.

"Make tomorrow better than today." -- is something i live by.

B$

Dylan,

I've met and talked with your Mom when I was up there a few weeks ago. I know one thing is for sure, she is extremely proud of you and I wish I could have met you myself. It sounds as if you are matured way beyond your years.

Now, I cannot tell you what to do but I was in a very similar situation as you are when I was 16. It was not easy, but we made it through. Notice I used the word "we". I can tell already that you have the caretaker mentality in your personality, as do I, but people like us tend to put to much responsibility on ourselves because we want everything to be perfect. Believe me, as a Family, you will get through it. It might not be easy, but it will happen. I'm sure your Mom will find work because she is a smart lady and knows her stuff.

Your friend may need your help badly but sometimes things just aren't possible due to the circumstances that you are in. I know it sounds harsh, but sometimes you have to take care of YOU and your family.

You are wise beyond your years. My brother told me something a few years back that has stuck with me, He said "Jim, you can't be all things to all people" and it rings true. Don't put so much pressure on yourself and take everything one day at a time.

P.S. if you want to get into deer hunting, let me know because I have tons of extra stuff you can have to get you started, except a gun of course. I will borrow you one though ;)

Take er easy Dylan, it'll be alright.

Jim

Dyl,

I'm not sure what February has to do with anything. (we'll talk about that later) I am proud of you.  Very proud.  Dropping out of school is NOT an option.  

Yes, money is tighter than it has been in recent years.  But Your future requires you to get that diploma.  

You aren't going to have to pay all the bills yourself.  Unemployment is still coming in.  And will for a while yet and...

We will be ok...

Love you my son.

I'm proud of you too Dylan.

Ray

Imaginative title huh?   O.K. How about this Dylan...


"if you even think about quitting school, I'll hunt/track  you down and smack you upside your head"


wadda-ya think?

Stay in school.

It's not necessarily what you learn but that you finish what you started no matter how tough things get.