With the quietness of the weekend, I’ve had the chance to
reminisce over the experiences in my life that have lead up to this . . . and I
can’t help but think of Dr. Griffin.
[Although I’m certain that many of you reading this are aware of the
phenomenal person he was . . . for those of you who do not, he was an amazing
teacher and mentor, who brought the concept of care and compassion for your
patients to a whole new level. I
was trying to think of an adjective to describe him in my introductory
sentence, but then realized that I could not think of anything that would truly
do him justice. Plus, his name
stands just fine on its own.] He
was the first attending I ever did a colposcopy [and cervical biopsy]
with. I can still hear him telling
me not to be a pansy when taking the biopsy. He was the first person I ever did a LEEP with . . . when I
did not have everything set up and ready to go he got a little irritated with
me, but then apologized as he said he did not realize it was my first
time. He listened to everything
you had to say . . . I remember times going to visit him and he would ask me
how my dad was enjoying retirement from AB, or about my cousin on Broadway . .
. these were things that I had maybe told him in passing several months before,
but he had listened.
Dr. Griffin died almost exactly a year ago, but the moments
that I have had the opportunity to experience with him are still very much
alive in my heart. Our lives are
made up of special moments . . . whether it’s a special weekend you spend going
on runs and to baseball games with your dad . . . a surprise random phone call
from your little sister, which turns into a lengthy conversation about careers
and future goals . . . an evening with your mom and old family friend that
gives you the courage to take a job very far away from home. I have many others to include, but that
would take all night to write!
Part of what makes these moments so special is the people who are a part
of them. I am so blessed to have
so many amazing people in my life . . . the mentors I have acquired along the
road . . . my friends (a very broad term, as some of you are more like family .
. . you know who you are) . . . and my family (especially my amazing parents
and sisters . . . I feel so lucky to be a part of your lives).
In the short time I’ve been here . . . there are some
experiences that will not be forgotten . . . The live chicken in the car trunk
(Yes Wesley, I’m convinced it was going to a petting zoo). The first LEEP I performed was somewhat
of a mess, and I couldn’t help but chuckle in my head, knowing that it could
only get better (trying to do a procedure with a Haitian nurse who doesn’t
speak english and an interpreter who does not fully understand gynecology and
procedures, plus the first time I’m using the machine, does not make for a
smooth ride!!).
On Friday afternoon . . . when I thought I was finished
seeing patients, I was told there was one more. She had been seen by another physician, and he wanted me to
see her as well. As I was wearing
my negative nancy pants, I assumed that it was because she needed a pelvic exam
(something that occurs quite frequently here . . . they are doing a great job
of making me feel like I’m working at WCH again). It turns out, it was for infertility, in a 17 year old (not
quite to the point yet . . . almost there). The doctor really just wanted my opinion on what could be
done for her, which turned into a teaching lesson on the basics of infertility. I was reminded how nice it is to teach
to someone who is really interested in learning.
I’ve spent the last two nights with some of the staff doing
English to Creole translation . . . I’ll help them with their english
pronunciation, they help me with my creole (which is still REALLY bad). I think that my lack of ability to make
certain sounds with my mouth has been quite entertaining.
Now, for my most memorable moment of the week . . . trying
to get in touch with my sister. On
Wednesday night, I got a facebook message from her stating that she needed to
talk to me right away . . . she had some big news for me. Right away ended up being two days, and
despite my parents attempts to keep the surprise, I knew what the news was. After several minutes of trying to get
the sound on skype to work, we could finally see and hear each other. I believe her exact words were “how
would you feel about officially making Jesse part of the family.” My older sister is engaged! (Jesse . . .if you are reading this,
I’ve known you would make a great brother in law since a conversation we had on
Christmas eve . . . for political reasons I’m not going to post the
specifics). I am so happy for them
. . . and greatly appreciate the fact that their public announcement was
delayed until I was given the news.
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