A Stool In The Corner

Fred went into Stevens-Heneger for his 3rd and final interview yesterday and they offered him the job. We are a little stunned. We feel like David in "Sabrina" when Elizabeth Tyson asks him to marry her, he proposes, she accepts and he says, "Why?!" It's not that Fred can't do the job, because really he's perfectly suited for it, it's just that they came looking for him, and compared to some of the qualifications they were looking for on paper, namely a Masters degree, and vast managerial experience, and the fact that those "qualified" people are certainly out there, is a little perplexing. The only explanation is that these people were being led to put away paper applications and to see inside Fred's heart and mind. We are humbled by the implications and the expectations. It's like transitioning from 5th grade, at the top of your game, to middle school, where you spend the entire year just treading water and looking at the older class men as intimidating giants. Of course your potential is just the same, but it takes you some time to build your confidence back up again.

As the director of the Respiratory Therapy department at the college, Fred has been given the assignment to get the program up and running by January. From what we can gather that will include staffing instructors, and overseeing curriculum with only 2 weeks of training in San Diego. I just smile and say, "I know you can do it honey!" and skip off to cook dinner and fold a load of laundry, feeling very grateful that providing is not my role. Though a bit overwhelmed by the challenge, I know Fred is excited with this incredible opportunity to grow. After the first year, he can attend classes free of charge and they will encourage him to acquire his Masters degree at the college. We don't know yet exactly what his expected hours will be because it's a salary position, and they offer classes at all different hours of the day, but we know that it won't include weekends or holidays, a blessing which we have never experienced in our 18 years of marriage, except for those few short months working with Ben. We feel so blessed and know that the Lord's hand is in all of this. Though his salary will be just minimally more than he is now making, and we will still have to be very frugal, just like everyone else, it will allow him to forgo getting a second job, which was a consideration which was weighing on him heavily before, and the way will be wide open for advancement, since he is starting on the bottom rung of qualifications.

The college is an immense high story building, which they call the "campus", but only two floors have been finished. The remaining space is there for "expansion" as this school is just getting started here in Boise. I asked Fred if he would get an office. He said he gets a stool in the corner of a small room which he shares with two other people...........and a pointy hat. I think he's exaggerating about the pointy hat. As always, Fred is humble and teachable, which is why, I think, the Dean and C.O.O. have been so taken with him. I think they will be pleased with their choice. Fred is intelligent, creative, and resourceful and has the happy gift of being liked by everyone. He has friends everywhere, which will be invaluable in creating ties between the local hospitals and the R.T. college.

Fred's sleep lab also had their first patient last Tuesday, which was fun for him and his partner. They still have all kinds of road blocks impeding their progression, but it is a encouraging start.