My Life Chapter 2

[LippCJ7]

Oh boy where to start....

Many of my friends here know some of the trials I have been through recently but I figured I would come clean with those who don't and fill in the blanks for those that didn't know the whole story.

Over the last 16 years I have been working for my family business, Communications in Colorado, over that time I was the Fireman of the Company I put out fires for the company any issues I dealt with, all the while anytime I was placed in a management role something would happen and I would get pulled because I was needed elsewhere immediately. This is how I met my wife in Grand Junction 250 miles from where I live in Douglas County, so anyway over the last two or three years things have gone downhill for the company and for whatever reasons the company went under for the most part in December 2011, since my family owned the company I have been working to resolve any outstanding issues over the last couple months for very little if any pay, My house went into foreclosure because since July Paychecks have been few and far between.

I have been in the process of getting hired at the local Sheriff's department which for me has been my second home over the last 16 years, I have so many friends in the Department that I consider many of them Family Brothers even, meanwhile I have me and my daughter about to lose our home, things have been very stressful to the point where I feel as though I could be crushed by the pressure, failing my child, my role as a Father which I hold dear.

Earlier this week I recovered my house from Foreclosure, it was a hard decision but for me it was the right decision, keeping our home for the benefit of my daughter was important to me. Today I was Hired on at the Sheriff's Department, after 3 months of Process it all came down to today. Next Wednesday, I will be Sworn in as an Detention's Specialist and my new career in Law Enforcement, in a couple years I will become a Deputy(my goal) and then I will have to set new goals for myself. I should say that I promised my youngest Daughter that I would not become a Patrol Deputy until she graduates High School and moves on to the University of Arizona which will be in two years, this will work out perfectly with my best case scenario, there are a couple things that I can do to speed up the process of becoming a Deputy but right now with all things considered I don't see it happening for a couple years at best financially I'm pretty tapped out for a bit.

I feel pretty fortunate that my three Daughters are wonderful kids, my two oldest are in College(on their own) and my youngest has the direction to attend what I consider my home University even though I never attended College, I'm 43 now so I started pretty early!!

This is my second chance at doing my dream, and so I open Chapter 2 of my life...

The irony to this is that I should be so Happy, but for some reason I am exhausted, not sure how to explain it....

 

[korygrandy]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Things are looking brighter. Do something special for you and your daughter this weekend to celebrate, heck if you can get the whole family together.

This is a good example of setting goals and reaching them, and with that comes the fun of celebrating your successes!

I hope we continue to hear some positive news like this.

WAY TO GO!

 

[JB]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Similar things have happened to many people during times of economic troubles, Lipp. Most of us eventually find a new path and recover to go on to an even better life. I call my 2 years of unemployment as my walk in the famous valley mentioned in Psalm 23. Like you, I felt I had failed myself and my family. The shadow of death haunted me.

Looking back, I think the experience strengthened me and further welded the bonds with my children.

You have nothing but new successes and joys before you.

Fair winds and following seas, my friend.

 

[R Socey]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Good luck! Be a shining light. Remember: many have given everything to gain, and maintain freedom in this great country, those who encroach on are freedoms are enimies of the country no matter what uniform they put on, or what they call themselves. Carry a copy of the constitution with you, uphold it! Two wrongs don't make a right.

Semper Fi

 

[rockyrude]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

As idealistic as that sounds Bubba, there really is a small percentage of the masses that manage to achieve that goal. I truly don't believe many judge their status in life by the "things" they possess. What most of us measure our success by is exactly how Lipp felt, provider for our family. There are far worse things than working for someone else

 

[The Rooster]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Thats quite an emotional roller coaster you've been on "Lipp". No wonder you're exausted. Take a break. Apparently, this interruption in your life was in the cards, so to speak. You guys got your health, your house back, and you've still got an awesome boat. Way back in the day I was with the New Orleans Sheriffs Dept., and you're right, thats a great second family. Good luck !!!

 

[tswiczko]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Lipp, I"m Glad to hear you're on Verge of your new career.

I don't see how you can feel like a failure though. You have raised two daughters who are in college, and have another who will be on her way there in a couple of years, you were on the verge of losing your house but you managed to hold on to it for your family.

So the company you worked for (family business or not) went under....I'm sure that was not your fault, and so you have worked hard and are moving into a new career. Like JB said many of us have gone through similar situations including myself.

It's easy for us as people to look at our selves and say....If only I had...., or, I should have...... (fill in the blank)....or even "Why me?".... I hope one day you'll stop blaming your self and be able to say "When I was in this bad situation I picked myself up and got a different line of work that I truly enjoy and am a better person for the decision I made to do so."

From the sounds of it the people around you don't think you are a failure and are proud to be your family. That's all that matters.

By the way OUTSTANDING job at being able to keep the house and not uprooting the young one, and congratulations on the new job..and for future reference...If I get pulled over in your neck of the woods and get a ticket will you help me with it


"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." TR

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Congrats Lipp. Glad it's all coming together for you. Sounds like a good plan and career. I had considered a career in law enforcement many moons ago but decided to persue other interests. Your probably tired due to stress. Seems like you had your fair share. This too shall pass. Way to go. Stay healthy and happy. BTW, does this mean we'll be hearing less from you?

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Lipp, that is very good to hear. You're very honesty about this kind of situation is undoubtedly one of the reasons that you deserve and, I'm sure, earned a good and positive second 'run'.....keep swingin'!!
When you get a chance....take a breath and enjoy the day!
All Good
BP

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Good for you Lipp. Glad to hear things are getting better for you. Hope this trend continues.

 

[CheckFire]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Only those that give up truly fail , you Sir have not failed.
Good luck on the new career.

 

[fireman57]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Lipp, you have done everything the way it should be done with your head held high. You are a great example to your children and there is no greater definition of success than that.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Lipp,

Based on what I just read, I have a great feeling for you, you have done things right, you have fought a great fight and you have won a battle for you and your family. Being exhausted is just part of the emotional package we call life! I am actually a few months into my second career, I spent 26 in the military, then retired, help my wife with her business, but still was missing something, so I work for a friend of mine in the pepper spray business, I currently manufacture and the most satisfying thing is, I am now the trainer for the company, the satisfaction of spraying a police officer with pepper spray can't be matched!!!!





But again, I am proud of ya, you are living right, doing right and sounds like you will have a fulfilling second life.

Good Job and most of all Good Luck!

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Glad to see things looking up for you and your family. Even in the worst of times we are never alone.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Honor, integrity, and courage... These are the reasons for your success.

You said, "I feel as though I could be crushed by the pressure..." That pressure was a symptom of fear. Genuine, and well warrented fear. Fear is nothing to be ashamed of nor something to deny. Without fear, we cannot even survive, much less create or enjoy success. Courage is not the opposite nor ability to deny fear. Courage is the act of facing fear... doing what needs to be done without faltering because of fear, while utilizing the hightened awareness, compliments of the adrenaline pumped out by our "sympathetic nervous system", the provider of the "fight or flight" response. You, my Friend have fought a good fight, so to speak.

Your honor and integrity are an intergral part of your success in this situation, and every aspect of your life.

Keep the faith, Lipp.

...Oh, and by the way... Congratulations are in order, Buddy!!!

 

[aspeck]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

What??? No more white van? That was one cool ride! LOL! Congrats on making the career move you have dreamed of making for a while now. I am sure you will make a great LEO.

 

[southkogs]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Lipp - I was just wondering if you got hired the other day! Congratulations!!

Over the years I've had similar bumps like your most current. In fact, some have been physical (emergency surgery is fun) and some have been economic (getting laid off is fun too) and some pretty emotional (having to leave your home because you got laid off ... ). What I liked reading in your post ... the anchor of the relationships with your daughter(s). Job swirling around you, finance all whacked out, trying to get hired somewhere ... all kinda jumbled around. The girls, and your relationships ... pretty steady sounding.

Really, I think that deserves more congratulations than getting the job. Being "Dad" is harder than getting a paycheck.

Good job on doing both, bro.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

I think the rough water makes smooth sailing that much sweeter.

CONGRATULATIONS.

Now go do something relaxing that you enjoy.

 

[drrpm]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Best wishes for chapter 2.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: My Life Chapter 2

Things are turning for the better for you my friend. The feeling of exhaustion is natural when you are carrying that much weight on your shoulders. Wishing you all the very best for the future.