Orientation

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Dear Santa: For Christmas, I would like a stethoscope, safety glasses, some boots, and a textbook. Oh, and please bring me some of those black uniform pants with all the pockets in them. Love, Me

Tonight was orientation for the Emergency Medical Technician program that youngest son will begin next semester. Fourteen high school seniors, six boys and eight girls are enrolled. Together with their parents, they toured the classroom, met their instructors and learned what the next six months will hold. It is going to be a lot of work and discipline, but I think youngest son with his military school background is prepared. While the teacher talked about the rigors of the program, the three chapters of work each week, the tests which they must get a score of at least 80%, the minimum of sixty extra hours spent in clinicals, instead of slinking into his chair like I was inclined to do, youngest son just kept sitting up straighter and straighter with a glint in his eye that told me he was excited about the possibilities. The graphic pictures did not phase him. The talk of blood and vomit did not make him flinch. The restrictions on dress and the uniform requirements are old hat to him. And the mention of a guaranteed job making $25,000 to $35,000 to start was icing on the cake. He is ready to go. He even wanted to buy his books right away because they have a homework assignment due the first day of class and was disappointed that the bookstore was already closed. I thought I might faint in disbelief at his eagerness. We came to the school in two different cars because we traveled from opposite directions, but he called me on my cell phone on the way home to talk about the program some more. He thinks he will like his instructors and wants to do more than the sixty hours required for clinicals. He had already planned to ask his grandparents to give him as Christmas gifts the various pieces of equipment needed and decided which style pants and boots to buy. I have NEVER seen him this excited about school. EVER. He came home and described in detail to husband the human simulator that they will practice on. A computerized pretend human body that reacts to treatment as a real person would and can be programmed with a variety of ailments. It spits and breathes, has a beating heart, and pupils that dilate. The piece of equipment cost $300,000, and my child will be using it. When he finishes the class, he will take his National Boards and be certified to treat patients in twenty eight states. That means you or me or one of your kids. My child. If I did not believe in God or prayer, I would now. But, I am also sure that God has not brought my son this far to let him fail now. Watch out world, he’s on his way and he’s going to be driving an ambulence!