Elaine Dodd:  

Life after HS started out rocky, moving from dead-end jobs to dead-end relationships. Then, I met Jim Dodd, a virtial baby four years younger then I, but probably more mature in some ways. A few years after we were married, we joined the local first aid squad and became EMTs. We saw what paramedics were doing and we were blown away... so paramedic classes for us. Not alway pretty, and most time pretty dirty work. Jim lost a couple of patients under circumstances that hit him very hard and ended his desire to do that any more. With that kind of work, you take the high spots (delivering babies and CPR saves) and live on them to get you through the sad ones. I stuck with it until my back and knees said "no more!". So, more computer programming until I semi-retired a few years ago. I now work from home doing medical transcription online, and making and selling handmade jewelry. Three years ago, Jim noticed a lump on the left side of his neck. He was diagnosed with head & neck cancer. It was a tough time, and the chemoradiation was rough, but he is doing great now. The only residual effects are an altered sense of taste, hair that grew back a different color, and some skin changes in his neck which you wouln't see unless pointed out. We are grateful and blessed that he had a relatively "mild" type of cancer....Expand for more