Little Rock Part 2

Our trip to Little Rock.......let's see.....how can I put it?  We drove six hours that day for a three minute appointment with the Dr.  Literally-three minutes is all that we were with the Dr.  It took us longer to fill out the paperwork to see the Dr. then it did to actually visit with the Dr.  It was kind of nice in some aspects, but in others, it was annoying just because we drove so far!  The Dr himself said that the appointment was just a matter of paperwork and was just a "formality." 

When the Dr came in the room, he started out saying that he had looked over the scans, x-rays and paperwork that Steve had submitted and that he had "no problem" approving him for a medical retirement.  He asked Steve about his back and the pain he has, all the while, looking through some paperwork he had in his lap.  He interrupted him at one point and asked Steve to show him his scar from the surgery he had a couple of years ago.  Steve showed him.  The Dr asked Steve if he could touch his toes....he can't.  The Dr had Steve wiggle his toes.  He did.

The Dr then commented on how "screwed up" Steve's back was, how it's not going to get better, how there will probably be more surgery in our future and that he definitely can't continue to be a Police Officer.  He then looked at me and said "Take care of him."

Then he walked out of the room.  The appointment was over.  Steve and I just looked at each other in disbelief, got our stuff and left. 

The Dr's paperwork can take up to three weeks to get back to LOPFI, but when it does, they will call Steve and together, a retirement date will be set.  It could be as early as next Friday or as late as the end of this month.  We are hoping to hear from LOPFI this week though.

We're excited and nervous, all at the same time.  Excited to see what God has in store for us and yet nervous just because it's a change.  It's sad that Steve's Law Enforcement career is over, yet at the same time, we know that this is something that was eventually going to happen.  He's had a great career and has accomplished many things throughout his career.  I'm glad he's going out on a good note.

So that's the scoop.  Hopefully we'll hear from LOPFI this week and we'll set an official date.  I'll let you know when we do!