As the pile of freshly felled tree trunks grew, so did Theo’s stress grow. The cycle just never seemed to stop. He truly didn’t mind the work, not in the least, but it also didn’t hold much of his interest.
Though he found the art of turning the logs into different purposes satisfying, at the same time, he felt a deep dissatisfaction with his life. After high-school graduation, he had wanted to proceed to college and pursue his dreams of becoming a Civil Engineer, but that thought had simply upset his dad.
His great-grandpa down to his dad were woodcutters and he was expected to be satisfied carrying on with the family business of logging. It’s been three years since graduation, he wanted to bring up the conversation of going back to college again, but the time never seemed right – there were bank loans to repay and dad’s health had taken a poor turn.
With each passing day, the displeasure simply weighed him down. He knew that he was called to be more than a lumberjack which was what life currently offered him.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
In response to the FFAW photo prompt above. Thank you, Loretta, for the photo and Priceless Joy for this enchanting platform
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
A story that is too often true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly.
LikeLike
So sad that he wants to be a Civil Engineer yet his dad won’t let him. I hope one day he can pursue his dream! Great story, Jacqueline!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must be a difficult situation to be in. Let’s hope they both arrive at an amicable solution.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good job! Sorry to say there are many that find themselves with unfulfilled dreams because of their parents holding them back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly true. Thank you Joy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow such a difficult situation! You can feel in your writing, how trapped he feels. Caught btw a rock and hard place. He should be able to fulfill his own dreams but if your Dad was ill and had no one else to help him, you wouldn’t desert him either. Perhaps there’s a happy middle where he can discuss his Dad taking on a couple trusted employees that the son could oversee while working on a couple courses at a time, on line?
It’s a possibility.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are such an intuitive thinker Mandi. I think that’s the best way forward for all of them otherwise Theo will end up a miserable man, though I like the fact that he’s trying to do the right thing for his family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes me too, but as you say some sort of balance is needed for Theo. Great write again 🙂
LikeLike
Your story left me feeling for anyone in Theo’s situation. Well done
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess it must be a difficult position to be in. Thank you Michael.
LikeLike