My time at UMMC is nearing its end, but the emotions and experiences that come with the territory of being a physician will follow me to my next destination. I will struggle, survive, study, and strive with a new group of physicians in a different building. Though my training has come to and end, the goal remains the same. It has always been the same: Take care of the patient.
As I approach this last graduation ceremony, I thought it would only be fitting for me to write the last entry in this blog thanking the people that got me through the last seven years.
First, let me just say I give all the glory to God. I could not have done this if He had not called me to do it. I thank the Lord that He gave me the desire and curiosity to learn medicine and for allowing me to do a job that I enjoy. Though I am a broken human being, He loves me still. I pray He would use me to show others the deep love and abounding grace Jesus has to offer us all. Mark 2:17 "And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
To my husband: This certificate is as much yours as it is mine. You put up with a lot. When I was working 80 hour weeks, you were too. Thank you for singlehandedly handling the household the many months I was barely home. I truly am sorry for the many times where I said "30 more minutes" only to show up 2 hours later because something went wrong as I was walking out the door. We were blessed with a child during residency, and though that was not an easy path for either of us, you never grumbled for a moment. Thank you for being Mr. Mom on those early mornings, late nights, and overnight calls. You truly are a great father to our son and you did a lot alone this past year. You were my greatest support the whole way through. Thank you for living out Peter's instruction given in 1 Peter 3:7 by loving me, honoring me, and treating me with understanding. Thank you for being there for me day in and day out. Thank you for always reminding me how blessed I am to be a mother, a doctor, and work with great people. Thank you for praying for me and Coy daily.
To my family: I'm finally finished! Thanks for being flexible with family gatherings. I know it was not always convenient for you to work around my schedule, but you did it anyways. Mom and dad, thanks for being an example for me and Nick. Your marriage is truly an example of Christ and the church. Thanks for raising me and Nicole the way you felt God calling you to raise us, even when it was not the popular choice and you were ridiculed because of it. Nicole and I are where we are because your love for Christ and for your family was greater than your desire to please people. Proverbs 22:6 "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." Nicole- you are level headed and I need that. Thanks for shooting straight and keeping my feet on the ground. Pepaw, Rudy, and Danette- I love you all dearly. Thanks for spoiling me when I was little! I appreciate you always letting me know that you were/are proud of me. And the Crawfords... I could not have married into a better family. I have been treated like a daughter since day 1. I appreciate all of your encouragement throughout the past 5 years. Elliott, thanks for being enthusiastic and encouraging me to look at the lighter side of things. Oh, and I owe you big time for all the dog-sitting.
To my medical school classmates: I miss you dearly! I hope that you are doing what you love. I hope y'all come back home to Mississippi and do great things when you are done with your training!
To my colleagues in residency: Thanks for always being there. Thanks for covering for me when I needed you to whether it was for baby, illness, or baby illness. Thanks for being an encouragement to me. Some days and nights, it was your words that got me through. Remember to ALWAYS tap the joint and "when in doubt, shock it out". To my fellow R3s, may you always be about that community, unity, and engagement.
To my mentors: Thanks for being excellent role models. Thank you for helping me figure out what I loved and what I was good at. You sharpened me and made me better. I would not be where I am if not for your guidance and wisdom.
To the nurses, therapists, unit secretaries, and transport team: You have the biggest impact on our patients. Thank you for all the hard work that you do. You all take us under your wings when we are students and interns. I've learned how to do so much by observing you all. Jacob C... Thanks for always being there to check the pulse for me.
To my BFFLs: I wish I had met you sooner! God knew I was going to need you when he pieced our small group together. Proverbs 20:6 says "Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?" You have definitely been a rock for me. Thanks for the many meals you provided for us. Thanks for letting me vent and rant to you. Thanks for loving on my son like he is your own!
To my church family: Thanks for the love you've shown me and Nick. You all have taken care of me and my family in so many ways, from meals to baby showers to baby sitting, I cannot thank you enough! Thanks for the wisdom that you've shared with us over the years. I'm excited about the future of our growing church!
To my dearly-loved delta community: I miss living in a small town! Even 11 years after graduating from SIA and moving to the Jackson metro area, I know you still love and support me and my family. I truly believe that growing up in the Rolling Fork community helped me learn how to relate to my patients. I love running into you out in town and in the hospital. It is like a breath of fresh air seeing my folks from home!
