Attending Mission Coordinator Training with the NCCUMC! Looking forward to where this takes me for God's work!

 It's been quite the past two years. In April 2021 we lost my Mother-in-Law unexpectedly. I've never seen my wife so crushed. The following September we lost my dad. January 2022, while our younger son was in Sweden we lost our long-time dog, Bailey, to old age. Not 6 weeks later our long time cat disappeared, never to be seen again. Alex came home to both family pets gone and his brother moved out into his own house. Must've felt pretty empty to Alex.

2020 will be forever remembered as the year of Covid. For us it will forever be these losses.

But, for every loss, there are gains. We adopted Olivia in June from the animal Shelter. Olivia is a black Lab/Boxer mix. Sweet, loving, loyal, and plenty smart. At about the same time we adopted Miss Bella (formerly Missy) from my dad's widow. Now, if we can get the two to play nicely together!

Garage

We moved so much of our kitchen into the garage while our hardwoods were refinished. Today I decided to move our pantry items back into the house, as well as swap an old fridge (free from a neighbor) for a newer (our old fridge that doesn't cool properly) in the garage. 

I’m used to doing my own work. But, with this back thing going on, the boys refused to let me push or lift. 

Good guys. 

Back to the Future

 Today we met with my new endocrinologist. Looks like my back issue is worse than I thought. 

Here’s where it started.

I’ve been having burning in my neck and lumbar for years, depending on what activity I was performing. In January 2022 I finally went to my doctor about it.

A spine X-ray later and he expressed concern over my bone density.

A bone density scan later and I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in my lumbar spine, and knocking on osteoporosis in my cervical spine.

I also got lab results for a parathyroid lab that indicates Celiac Disease, a common cause of osteoporosis (further referred to as “OR”.)

Today, April 28, 2022, Ange and I had an in person visit with Dr. Sarah Zaheer, my endocrinologist. Apparently. .for may age, “severe OR” is a pretty bog deal. She played a good poker face describing all the treatment options, leaving it up to us to decide what route to follow. She was very quick to agree the most aggressive treatment was the best decision.

Oh, great.

It’s my understanding that my situation carries a high risk of spinal fracture, typical something like a compression fracture. What, exactly, does that mean?

Well, it’s difficult to say what EXACTLY the risks are. Can I fracture my spine getting into a car, riding over a bump, or even sneezing? Apparently, yes. How nervous does that make me?

One week I’m assisting 450 pound patients out of bed by pulling on them, the next I learn that could have caused me to break my bag....significantly easier than the next guy.

But, wait, there’s more! It’s unusual for an otherwise healthy 56 year old male to develop OR. What could have caused it??

Of course, Celiac. Like I referenced above, my parathyroid test results indicate I likely have Celiac Disease. I’m awaiting a GI consult. But, this particular test, with my particular profile, is pretty reliable.

It doesn’t upset me to thinkI’m probably Celiac...Alex is, so I can’t whine about it...at least for his sake. What kind of dad would I be? Yes, it means NO MORE Bojangle’s. No more beer. No more Krispy Kreme. No more etc. Can’t change it, might as well embrace it.

No, what worries me more is the risk of fracture. For 56 years I’ve eaten what I want and done what I want. Suddenly I’m a brittle old man. Damn.

I’ll be back once we learn more. I’ll also likely edit what I’ve written here.

Fruitcakes in Washington

 What the fruitcake???

At what point will his supporters realize he LOST the election? There's no voter fraud. There's no missing ballots.

He sure didn't whine when he WON the Electoral College while LOSING the popular vote.

I have at least one friend who earnestly believes there is a conspiracy to move the US toward socialism. I'm still investigating that. But, to think there is a conspiracy to have Biden win and Trump lose only smacks the Republican Party in the face as too weak to prevent such a thing.

So, Trump supporting Republicans (because there are many Republicans who don't....and they're FINALLY using their spines), is the Republican Party weaker than the Democratic Party?

I didn't go to war when Hillary lost (I voted for her, but really more to vote against him). I didn't like the election results. However, this is The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. We are bigger than political parties.

And the die hard Trump supporters are anti-democracy, anti-United States, and pro selfishness.

Final Exams

Big day tomorrow. Apparently, I’m the only one who’s nervous. Should I be? If everyone believes in
me, does that seal it?

A friend of mine, actually, my field training officer (wasn’t even a sparkle in his parents’ eyes when I started, but definitely a talented and smart paramedic) quoted this: “If there are so many people that believe in me, who’s to say I can’t believe in myself?”

Over the past four months I’ve spent more hours getting up to speed than I did to originally become a paramedic. But, that’s no surprise. I took the course 34 years ago. A few things have changed.

So....here I am...a fish out of water learning to breath air. Thankfully, I have many talented, intelligent, and supportive people in my life!

Just breath.

First Week

I've been back on the ambulance, as a paramedic, for a week, now. And, and in some ways, it's as if I never left. Sure, there's new medications, treatments, diagnostic tools, equipment, policies, and procedures. But, sick people are still sick people. And I, amazingly enough, have the ability to help make them better.

And the stress associated? Sure, exists with any job. But, this time around, I feel...well..you know the expression, "I wish I'd known then what I know now?"

I do.

And it makes a huge difference. It's easy to let yourself hyper focus on the small stuff. But, when you just focus on running each call, one at a time, and doing your best to improve a patient condition...even it it's just to make them smile or laugh...you discover a whole new layer to the "job."

My advice to anyone starting out or maybe just a few years in: don't get hung up on the details...focus on the patient. Don't take work home with you. Although, if you remember that patient care includes smiling patients because you had a great conversation with them...then taking work home is actually a good thing!

Four Stages of Team Development

Between EMS, teaching, and Scouting, I’ve attended A LOT of workshops. I’ve been on A LOT of teams. Every time there has been a common course of development. Psychologist Bruce Tuckman originally coined the phrase, “forming, storming, norming, and performing” in his 1965 article “Developmental Sequence in Small Groups.” I’ve seen plenty of groups go through these four stages. Go through them, double back, repeat, perform, storm, norm, and back to perform.

Never, ever, have I been part of a team that went from forming to HIGH performing, and never went through the other stages.

Until now.

I’ve been watching carefully over the last 5 weeks for something to happen. And it did. This team performed. This team has each other’s backs. This team takes the initiative to step forward and lead when there is a need without being told.

We’re down to just a few class days left. After that we all go separate ways to different shifts, only to see a few others occasionally for weekly testing. Graduation is in three months, after some field internship...which will mark that final time this team comes together. After that. Well, after that, we’ll likely bump fists, high five, or grab hugs when we cross paths on calls and at hospitals.

It’s been a terrific ride! Gonna miss working each day with this team. Go Dirty 30!!

Oh, hi Princess!!

Who, me??

Holy crap. I just got brought down a couple of notches, but in a very good way. Real quick, and not to brag, but to help put this all in perspective.

I started volunteering in public safety at the ripe old age of 18. It was all adventure! One thing led to another and I became a volunteer EMT at Cary Area Rescue Squad (EMS). Oddly enough, a few months later, they offered me a job. I had to advance through certifications to keep it, which meant night classes.

Two years later I became a certified paramedic. I OWNED the world (So I thought, inside of my little 21 year mind!).

I had no idea that my career would end up in education. After 14 years of full-time field work, I became a teacher. I didn't plan on that. I didn't know how long I would do it.

Then...you have that encounter that changes everything. One student....scared to the point of trembling as I collected EMT class final exams. I could have made her wait until the next day, when I planned on grading them. But I just couldn't. She was SO stressed. She passed! On her own! I just supplied the information and learning environment.

Happy ending, right? Then, IT happens. You get elevated by that student to a status you feel uncomfortable at. After all, I just taught the class. SHE had to pass, right?

This student....for the past 20 years....has called me her "hero." Yet...SHE accomplished her goal, NOT me!

The point I'm making is that you can spend a lifetime wondering just what the hell you are doing, and never realize the impact you have on other lives. TO THIS DAY she views me as her hero...and I am humbled by this. And I am, extremely, honored by it.

My dad has always felt that a worthy life is one giving back to society. But, it's hard to tell, in the middle of it all, that THAT is exactly what is happening!

I am just me. That's all there is to it. But, apparently, I have been in the right place at the right time to to be part of a positive outcome.

We ALL have that opportunity. Just always remember: "You never know when you are setting an example, but you can always know what kind of example you are setting."

To my Academy brothers and sisters: don't listen to any of this old man's rambling...except: You WILL make a difference. There's no two ways about it. You are destined to be at least one person's hero. Earn it. Put everything you have into your love of caring for people. And...unbeknownst to you...you will be many peoples' hero. And that's a good thing.

Merry Christmas! Er...Seasons Greetings! Wait, no, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

I saw a post about Christ in Christmas. So many places Of business opt for “Season’s Greetings.”

While there are a couple other celebrations happening in December, let’s be honest....it’s CHRISTMAS the retail world is recognizing, if not celebrating.

I’ve got friends who are Muslim, Jewish, and even a Buddhist. I will wish them a Merry Christmas in the best tradition of Christian welcome and fellowship. I’m pretty sure they will know where I’m coming from and what I hope for them. And, I’m pretty sure they won’t feel I’ve tried to discriminate or convert them.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Seasons Greetings!

Trivia ahead.....

Yuletide (12days of Christmas): Dec. 25-Jan. 5 (Epiphany Eve) Traditionally celebrated for centuries

Advent Season: Fourth Sunday before Christmas until Christmas Day

Began celebrating in North America as its economic impact became apparent

Mid-20th century, cultural sensitivity led to the use of simply The Season

Legal: The government (at all levels) has been challenged when displaying Christmas icons, and most have changed to using more subtle references, as well as including other religions’ icons.

 Some have recently determined to use the terms “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy Holidays,” while others have switched to “Merry Christmas.”

There are many Christian denominations that don’t celebrate Christmas.

So, now where do we go with this? Is it wrong to say Seasons Greetings? Is it wrong to say Merry Christmas?

Maybe we need, instead, to look at where we are coming from. Let’s start with the “Golden Rule.”

Matthew 7:12

The Most Important Rule

12 “Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.

 Matthew 22:36-40

36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets[a] are based on these two commandments.

What are we trying to say or do, as Christians, when we say Merry Christmas? What exactly does this mean?

Well, middle of the first millennia, the word merry had a different meaning than it does today. It meant pleasant, peaceful, and agreeable. So, when John Fisher wrote Thomas Cromwell a seasons greetings letter in 1540, he said,

 “And this our Lord God send you a mery Christmas, and a comfortable, to your heart’s desire.”

Now enter Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge in Victorian 1843 with the now current Merry Christmas, when the word merry began to mean jovial and outgoing.

We’re still behind the eight ball.

Again, WHAT is it we are trying to say??

Have a Merry Christmas! Do you mean you want me to have fun and be friendly? Do you want me to be peaceful?

We, as Christians, are charged with making Disciples, as decreed by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

 Are the critics right? Are we trying to convert them...away from their own religion...when we offer a Christian expression of good tidings? Aren’t we (Christians) supposed to convert them??

Whew.....this is much more complex than the Hallmark Channel makes it out to be.

Let’s consider this. How do we want to make people feel?

Here it is, it’s your turn.

What if what we want to say is this:

This is a time of celebration for Christians. A time when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. You may not believe in Him. But, He would want me to treat you as my brothers and sisters. With that heartfelt message, I greet you in a way that is meaningful to me. Feel free to greet me in a way that is meaningful to you.

Afterall, isn’t that what Christ wants? Not only to make disciples and followers to obey His law, but for us all to live in love and peace.

Dark Side: But....if they don’t believe in Him, aren’t they going to Hell?

According to Jesus, one must believe in Him to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He doesn’t say where they will be if they don’t go to Heaven.

He is quoted in John 14:6,

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

We’d like to see everyone learn of God’s benevolence, and accept who He is.

But, maybe, when the person we’re greeting can’t or won’t, we can at least offer them a message of peace and love.

I’ve got friends who are Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Baha’i. I will wish them a Merry Christmas in the best tradition of Christian welcome and fellowship. I’m pretty sure they will know where I’m coming from and what I hope for them. And, I’m pretty sure they won’t feel I’ve tried to discriminate or convert them.

My wish for a Merry Christmas, for me, is my message intended to wish anyone well, regardless or what religion or even no religion. Might be worth a try.

Merry Christmas!

Just Follow The Yellow Brick Road!

Life is full of preparation and practice....we just maybe don’t see it because it often has such a low impact on us. Maybe it’s driving somewhere you’re unfamiliar with and having to follow directions on GPS. Maybe it’s driving a rental car and figuring out its windshield wipers. Or, maybe the menu at a never before visited restaurant. What’s really going on with our thought process?

High stakes preparation is only different because we let it be different. Sure....easy enough to say. Consider these thoughts:

That unfamiliar place you’re traveling to...it has road signs, or landmarks, or markings on the street. We know how to use those!

That rental car still has a gas pedal and brake pedal. We know how to use those, too!

That new restaurant? The type of food maybe new, sure, but the process of looking at a menu and ordering, eating, and paying, are all familiar.

The important thing is to look for those familiarities, understand that you KNOW them and are comfortable with them. Do that, and the new stuff isn’t so intimidating.

Some of you reading this will know exactly what this little “parable” is about....just hang in there, you’ve got this!

Paramedics As Teachers....and as Humans

Last week I worked a double shift. Not too big a deal, just 24 hours. Hey, that’s how I USED to do it every shift! The first twelve were part of the system entry academy I’m in. The second half, on the same ambulance with the same partner (happened to be my brother in law), was an extra shift, rather than class related.

On both halves of the day I worked with either a new paramedic or a paramedic student. The new paramedic had some bad experiences during field training, and was apprehensive with us. Clearly, there was need for some change in this person’s experiences.

Throughout the day both my partner and I went about our usual way, integrating the three of us into the calls we ran. At this phase of my orientation I still function at a much lower level. Still, I made sure that I took care of everything I was allowed to, whether setting up an IV, obtaining a 12 lead EKG, or starting to work on the patient report. We both did as decent, and experienced, paramedics should do...we mentored a new paramedic with positive attitudes and the desire to help someone who is where we once were. What happened the next day? The new medic was all smiles when talking about the shift.

What did we do? We just treated a new paramedic the way we would have wanted to be treated...with respect, dignity, and the understanding that everyone starts somewhere.

This new medic’s experience had been so uncomfortable that thoughts of getting out of EMS were an option. I can only hope we offered an alternative ending to those thoughts.

So, tell me, what does it take to be friendly, helpful, and supportive? What energy is expelled?

When you weigh in the personal benefit you get from seeing someone else succeed, and knowing your efforts contributed to that success, you realize it takes ZERO effort.

We’re all on this world together, and many of us are trying to reach the same goals. So why not work together?

It’s Easy to Say There’s A Plan.....

Alright, God....three times you’ve made a decision that shook my world to the core. I didn’t agree with your plan. But, I know whatever you’re thinking, it’s the best plan. While I might get frustrated that I don’t grasp it, I know it’s right.

This time, though, I really hope your plan is the same as mine. It’s not for me, it’s for my friend.

Thanks for listening.

Starting Over - Week Two

I'm two weeks and a day into my EMS reboot. Still enjoying my millennial classmates....don't worry, they're not offended, as they call me a Baby Boomer (off by a couple years, but OK)!

I'm learning that I should consider buying an urban dictionary so I can keep up with them. Expressions like, "I'm down to clown," "Get crunk and get drunk," and "I am diggity down" all come from a much younger generation. Not to take a thing away from them. I'm sure my parents wondered at two thumbs up and, "Ayyyye!"

I'm still very much enjoying my classmates. While I have been playing my experience cards close to the chest (I think I have a fear of not meeting perceived expectations), I have been outed by several instructors who have known me for 25 or 30 years. So.....now I embrace my senior status, reinforced by classmate commits like, "Tom's social security number is '1'," and "Wrecking a carriage doesn't count," and "Tom's first radio was two cans and a string!"

At the same time, I've enjoyed reminding them that their parents didn't know each other when I started. They toss in some ribbing, and I respond that I'm retired. I don't have to work. They shut up.

The more I learn, the more aware I am that EMS is quickly evolving from what I remember. The days of "You call, we haul" are reaching their perihelion, and EMS MUST evolve to continue. The result is there is much to learn to get up to speed, but it is cutting edge. I'm very happy that my re-entry is in my home county.

Starting Over....Week One Finale

I'm working on wrapping up week one. It's been one heck of a whirlwind! Between the 10 tons of information, homework, and physical conditioning each day, its been a full week. And I only worked, really, four days...earning overtime, at that.

What I do have to say is that I have been very pleasantly surprised at the quality of the program thus far. The instructors have been dynamic, energetic, and focused on student learning. While I'm sore from the first real exercising I've done in years, I also recognize how much good it's doing me. And the coach is encouraging, supportive, and interested in our success.

I'll admit, at one point of exhaustion, I questioned what I am doing. But, pain and fatigue are fleeting.

On another note, I am very pleased with my classmates. While most of them weren't born when I left the field full time, they are energetic, positive, enthusiastic, and thrive on teamwork. I'm looking forward to succeeding and graduating with each of them!

Starting Over

I’m pretty sure plenty of folks have experienced what I have started. Returning to a starting point you thought you’d left behind. Let me clarify. I’ve been a paramedic for over 32 years. I spent, between full and part time, 21 years in the field. During that time I also taught full time at a community college as an Associate Professor of EMS, retiring form there in 2017. In response to students’ questions of “ will you get back on a truck.” My answer was a definitive NO!

But, after  one and a half years of just working part time, on an EMS truck, I’ve decided to go back to my roots and do it again.

In order to get cleared to function as a paramedic in my county, I have to attend a five week orientation. Now, I’d heard a lot of grumbling about this orientation.  Condescending instructors, intense work loads, simulation after simulation. However, the first day didn’t lend any credence to the rumblings. The instructors have been, so far, professional and very adept at teaching.

A couple of other things I noticed on day one: I can bend over and touch my toes. Thought that was a lost art! I have received nothing but positive comments and words of encouragement from peers, friends, and former students. I also am reminded of a former student, turned friend, then turned co-worker, Simon. When he attended my classes in paramedic school, he would be very relaxed during the usual morning routine of saying good morning. Once the lesson started he transformed into a focused, earnest, learner. I find myself mirroring that behavior. Hopefully, I’ll have the same outcome as my friend Simon.

More later.....

When It Rains, It Pours...Now What?

It seems nothing "bad" ever happens in a vacuum. Now, in my case, nearly everyone came home in one piece (the one left out was myself with bruised ribs and a boat with a damaged skeg).

In one morning we had a boat stranded in the intercostal waterway after hitting a hidden sandbar and stalling. Of course, it couldn't just stall. The ignition had to fail, as well. The boat couldn't be restarted, even trying to Hotwire. Mainly because, as we discovered later, it blew a 110 amp dude connected to the starter.

After getting towed to the boat ramp, where we had to manually load, I leaned over the bow to detach the bow hook from the tow boat, and was jerked by the tension on the line, bruising ribs. No problem, it wasn't bad.

The three hour delay caused our son's girlfriend to be late for work. Again, no problem, she was able to work it out.

Once home, we discovered a transfer case leak from our pick up truck. No problem, the transfer case had a two year warranty....until we discovered the shop that warrantied it went bankrupt. Thankfully, we have a mechanic friend who insisted on not charging us for labor for the repair (I'm paying him, anyway).

THEN we discovered the entire transmission portion of our boat motor would have to be replaced. No problem, insurance covered 90% of the repair.

THEN! I re-bruised my ribs, only worse this time! Couldn't lift, deep breath, cough, etc.

So, what's the point of this ramble? To teach my kids that life is going to throw it to you all at one time, and you have to be able to stay calm, select courses of action, and tackle the problems. Complaining whining, or stomping your feet won't change a thing. As Jimmy Buffett said, "There's no way that plane's getting through!"

Jeep has sacrificed its 75 years of tradition in order to sell to a new market. A Wrangler with power windows, heated seats, touch screen display, and back up camera is a grocery cart, not a traditional Jeep. I understand they need to compete in the industry. A basic Jeep is available, but most will be shipped to lots with power accessories, including lighted cup holders. Don’t accidentally leave the top down!

I really don't think I'm the only parent thinking this. But, after over hearing a conversation between two young adults, I'm beginning to think, even more than ever, that smart phones, with all their connectivity, has produced more drama, stress, and angst than what we had with just our home phones, high school lunches, and local after-school-gathering places.

The ability to instantly communicate thoughts, feelings, and emotions...regardless of time of day...has removed the opportunity to reflect on what you want to say. Once sent, words cannot be undone.

There are parents who allow their children to have cell phones early. There are parents who hold off until 16, 18, or even graduation from high school. Who's right?

We let our children have cell phones, with service, sometime around late middle school. Part of the problem involves the need for internet access at school (which the school doesn't always provide for the student), as well as for a safety net, give all the school violence our country is enduring.

I'm not suggesting I have any kind of solution. Maybe some thoughts of how I could have done mobile access differently for my kids, but nothing concrete,

Thoughts?

Zzzzzz

Not much happening these days. But, the deck has been cleaned for the season (sitting on it now), and I just created a brand new path through the shed. There's more yard work ahead, but to accomplish that I need to stop sleeping until 10. For the first time since moving here 5 years ago I realized just how nice a view, for a 1/4 acre lot, we have from our deck. Time for wine??