Certain people and places take root in us if they’re part of the path we’re meant to be on. We may not realize it, but these roots will eventually lead us back to where we’re meant to be, no matter the distance or how far we’ve strayed.
That’s what Stephen and Nicole Grant discovered after reconnecting and falling in love some 40-plus years after meeting as children.
Nicole grew up in the San Marco area and received a degree in English from the University of Florida. She bounced across the United States, from Gainesville to Orlando to Washington D.C. to Miami and even across the pond for a stint in Germany.
While in Germany, she worked as an office manager for a large multinational firm. Upon her return stateside, she transitioned to a similar role in a regional firm in Fort Myers. She still works for a law office today, currently at a family law attorney in the San Marco area.
“Every place I’ve worked has had different areas of law, but it’s all been fun,” Nicole said.
Nicole spent more than 30 years away from Jacksonville: She lived a whole life, which included raising a few children, before returning to the Bold City about eight or nine years ago, happy to return to the family and friends she missed so dearly.
Stephen was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and spent most of his childhood there until his family moved to Jacksonville in 1969.
Career-wise, his expansive list of skills, certificates and degrees would be enough to fill a manuscript.
At 18, Stephen enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served eight years in the Corps, followed by four years in Army aviation, completing his contracts before stepping away from the military for a short time. After the events of September 11, he returned to service and went on to serve an additional 20 years.
Throughout his 32-year military career, Stephen deployed 13 times and ultimately retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Space Force Base in Brevard County.
While serving, Stephen also pursued his education, earning degrees from the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. He later earned his bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Central Florida and completed a master’s degree in epidemiology.
He spent several years working with IBM Corporation before shifting paths once again.
Stephen graduated from the local police and fire academies, where he completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and paramedic training. He served for 27 years with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), retiring as a District Chief, while concurrently working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).
Although retired from JFRD, Stephen remains a tactical medic coordinator with JSO, providing emergency medical support to officers and civilians. He has also spent the past 20 years teaching courses in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), fire science, and nursing, among many others, at FSCJ.
Before their paths diverged, Nicole and Stephen’s families were regulars at Lakewood Methodist Church. The children of both families were members of the church’s youth group.
Decades later, when Nicole returned to Jacksonville, she found Stephen on an online dating site and immediately recognized him. The two hit it off and tied the knot less than two years later, making a home together in the San Marco community.
“For 30 years, I wasn’t anywhere near my family, and I regret not being near them all that time,” Nicole said. “It’s so nice that we’re making up for lost time now.”
The Grants are passionate in their admiration for the San Marco community. The pair lives just a few blocks away from siblings and family members on both sides of the family, often taking walks with the neighbors they’ve grown close to and spending weekend afternoons at local San Marco restaurants.
“People stay here,” Stephen said. “The guy who cuts my hair now used to cut my hair as a child.”
The Grants are season passholders at the Alhambra Dinner Theater and the Thrasher-Horne Centre for the Arts. The avid entertainment lovers also frequent performances at The Amp and the Jacksonville Symphony.
When they’re not attending a show or catching up with family members in the area, the Grants love to travel, be it locally or internationally. Their current mission is to visit all of the state parks in both Florida and Georgia.
They enjoy taking their camper to sites like Anastasia State Park or Suwannee River State Park, nestling into nature and entertaining their respective hobbies.
Nicole loves geocaching, exploring the trails and hidden nooks to find puzzles leading to treasure, while Stephen sets up his ham radio to talk to other enthusiasts across the various state parks.
Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, has been one of Stephen’s passions since childhood. Inspired by his parents, both licensed enthusiasts, he followed in their footsteps and earned licensure.
The Grants are dedicated members of the San Marco Rotary Club, of which Stephen is a founding member, along with Nicole’s brother.
Even after years of distance, through detours and discoveries, Nicole and Stephen found their way back – to each other and to the place they once called home – thanks to the path that was always quietly guiding the way.
