Processor is Down

I began with the intention of adding multiple pictures I have of exhausted or stunned-looking fellow med students who have been finishing med school this past month and who will be graduating on Monday. Okay, I'll still add a few.

Surprised, stunned, and mesmerized.

The past month of classes - "Capstone," it's called - has flown by. Capstone did a great job of revealing the some of the great mysteries of residency. We learned how to do a great sign-out, how to teach med students effectively, how to institute some ways to care for ourselves (24 hour gym and autopay were biggest suggestions) during residency. We learned how to declare death, to do a skillful and kind death disclosure, and how to find the lab.

Most lessons of residency cannot be taught ahead of experience...which explains the necessity of residency. I am excited, but also terrified.

A bunch of people I love all in a row

I am thankful that my curriculum includes this practical segment. The simple act of consideration of residency in adequate detail makes it more real. My informal survey of classmates sampled mostly people who are proud to be finished with this phase, but very cognizant of the new challenges inherent in the stage that awaits.

Beautiful in spite of themselves.

Most people are moving very far away. Many, like the two women above, are getting married in the next month - in addition to graduating. Over four years, these people have become my colleagues and my best friends. I will miss them more than I can currently consider (without crying) when they disperse.

These amazing women and men have been friends not just to me but also to my children...and those are the best kinds of friends. My kids have made them their playmates, their jungle gyms, and their role models. My friends have graciously poured out love and affection on my kids. So many hugs, so many games of chase, so many dinners, so many genuine inquiries of, "How are YOU doing?"

Waves of sadness - I will miss this immensely.

I will absolutely be at our med school reunions, hugging and crying.