** Warning. Graphic photos ahead**
You already know that life has been a little crazy around here…well, it is about to get crazier. Not only did the grandkids take off to their first day of school yesterday, Rick did too!! Interesting, I know.
Here’s how it all happened. When we were in Michigan, Rick ended up needing to care for his Mom’s foot. On the Thursday before they left, she was boiling peanuts. Apparently that is a southern thing. Rick says they are gross…me, I have no idea. I’ve never had them.
Well she had taken the pot off the burner and was walking to the sink to drain them. The pot splashed and she ended up with a burnt foot…not just any old little burn, a terrible burn. That big chunk under her toes is a blister. I’ve never seen one so big. Along her ankle was another blister, but that one had popped. Lois was told do not pop the blister for as long as possible.
Lois is in her 80s so Rick volunteered to bandage it for her every night. Rick was a paramedic years and years ago back when he lived in Michigan. He did it for about 8 years.
Dickey, Lois’ husband also had a injury. He had fallen when they stopped on their way to Michigan. He fell and had a big open gash on his elbow that had to be bandaged as well.
The first evening, Rick was bandaging his mom’s foot and he just said, “You know, being a paramedic was the only job I’ve ever loved.” I quickly said, “Then why aren’t you doing it?” Then his mom said, “I always thought that was the best job for you.”
Well, that 2 minutes interchange launched a thousand ships.
Two days later when Rick and I were driving in the car to Ohio, Rick said, “You know, I wish I was a practicing paramedic.” So…when we got home, we started trying to figure out how to make that happen. I pointed out to Rick that school would be starting soon so we needed to get on it.
Tuesday and Wednesday after we were home, Rick and I spent the time visiting two different community colleges in our area trying to figure out which would be best for him and what he needs. He ended up picking Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. It’s about an hour drive from here but he only has to go to school twice a week, Monday and Wednesday mornings.
My daughter Kelli happened to be here on Thursday and she asked Rick if he ever used his GI bill. He hadn’t. So we’ve been scrambling finding out more of that and trying to get it activated. You know how hard all of that is…making logins and passwords to multiple sites…ugh…the worst, waiting on hold to talk to a representative. He had to do that for multiple sites. We were both so thankful that Kelli was happy to help.
Rick is 62 right now. Classes for his EMT (a down grade from paramedic) will go through December. Depending how things work out financially and with the GI bill he might go on for his paramedic, he might not. Rick was hoping to retire at 65 and then get a part time job. Emergency services is a great career to downsize with. They offer a lot of part time positions.
We still have a lot more things to figure out. We’re waiting for some calls back and, of course, have even more questions. For now, Rick is jumping in and going with it.
I am so happy for him. I really think he is going to love this…once we get all the questions answered and things are all in place. In the meantime, happy school year Rick!! I jokingly told Rick that I didn’t think I was at the stage in life where I’d be living on love…but here we are. HA!!
Thank you Rick! EMT are always needed. They are in short supply.
What a great idea! I know EMTs are needed all the time.
Let’s have a photo of his first day at school! LOL!
Love and prayers
I think it is wonderful that Rick not only has recalled how much he loved being a paramedic but has found–with a lot of support from you–a new purpose and goal! Hard work, but so rewarding. Hope Rick and the Grandkids have a great start to the a new school year.
My husband is an EMT here in Connecticut. He has been a volunteer with our local volunteer ambulance corp. for 28 years. He has always volunteered part time while employed and has continued since he retired. The ambulance corp. is his passion. I think Rick would be happy with his new career and he certainly could work pass 65. Another thought is Rick probably does not qualify for full social security until 67. The government has now extended the age to collect full social security. I personally worked until 70 and have been retired 6 years.
My husband was a paramedic for 13 years. He ventured into another career and let his license lapse. When he was in his early 60’s he realized how much he missed being a paramedic. He got his EMT license back, then went on to nursing school where he became an RN. Then, he was able to sit for the Paramedic exam. So, he ended up with all 3 licenses. He was so very happy. I wish you the best of luck Rick. My husband did it and so can you!!
We worked with our local VFD, and they paid for us to get our EMT training. He might check in with the local dept to see if they do that.
This is a great opportunity! I’m so happy for you both! It will be a scramble but you are used to a busy schedule. I’m sure Rick will find being back I school challenging and I hope rewarding. Returning students like him are very motivated and usually do really well. Best wishes to you both!
Yahoo! Happy for Rick! It will a great adventure.
YAY for Rick rediscovering his passion and for your rural community to gain valuable caregiver.
Have a wonderful fall you two!
How exciting! I hope it all gets worked oyt and Rick can start this fall.
Are you making Rick a back to school quilt? Ha.
Does Rick get a First Day quilt? Congratulations on at least a couple of new roads to investigate in a new stage of life!
What a wonderful decision to pursue something he really loves. Never too late for a new adventure.
It’s great that he wants to go back to school at this stage of life ! I think it’s great to be a life long learner ! ., also my first thought was that will give you two mornings to work on your projects! Yayyyy !! Blessings on you !
You and Rick are awesome, and living on love is awesome! People who go after their dreams stay healthy and live longer. Look at you two! I think your joint happiness is helping you do what you want and enjoy it together.
You have another quilt to make. Driving during the winter months, I always kept a blanket in the car, just in case. It did come in handy one time when a semi jackknifed and blocked the road, both lanes. It was some time before traffic could move. I had a little kit – snack, little candle and matches, a book and my blanket. I was set for the duration.
I am a strong supporter of education, so hurrah for the grands and for Rick. I wish them all a fun learning experience.
Sorry for the burned foot. It looks kind of painful. Oh boiled peanuts! My hubby is from Florida and he thinks boiled peanuts are the best. I did not like them when I was in Florida and tasted them. So happy that Rick is getting back to a career he really liked. Best of luck with it all.
Haa Rick been in touch with Chickasaw County’s EMS director, Joel K? They are always in need of EMTs and paramedics. Perhaps they can help with his schooling. Let me know if you need his number. I know our county has a VA liaison. Maybe your county does too.
Good for him! I wish him the best of luck! Hugs,
This is so exciting and great. I know that he and you will enjoy this new facet of your life.