Delayed again....but thankful.

[golden2323]

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I was set to return to finish my undergrad this semester (next Monday, to be exact), and begin my GPA repair. However, my father's health took a drastic turn for the worst this week, so I'm putting off my return until this Fall. I'm disappointed that this is another delay, but thankful in some strange way for this opportunity. This week (and likely the coming weeks) has solidified my resolve - I WANT to be a physician - and will do whatever it takes.

I know taking time off now is the best decision, and I'm so thankful that I'll have time to devote to my father in the next few weeks. I'm also thankful for this journey, and somehow, I think this will be part of his legacy - he's always been my rock, and it feels like this is somehow meant to be - I think maybe I needed this to really solidify my resolve and show me how important the journey we are all on really is. As I prepare to say goodbye to my father, it feels as though he's helping to prepare ME for this journey. I pray that I never take this for granted, and that I remember what we are going through right now as I deal with every patient, family, caregiver I encounter in my future.

 

[Helen Wheels]

I am very sorry to hear about your father. I think taking some time off is the best thing to do. Spend what precious time you have left with your father and then after you are ready throw yourself into this process with everything you have. I was a caregiver for my Mom for 7 years and had to put med school on hold during this time. I don't regret it and this year I was able to finally start medical school. I feel my experiences with my Mom will make me a better physician. Best of luck!

 

[jl lin]

Oh I hear you, and I totally feel for you.

I have gone through this a number of times. Father with leukemia...mother with major spinal surgery...brain injury to gm, all needing a lot of time, advocacy, and care. On top of that, there were my many other responsibilities and people counting on me.

But you can only do what you can do. Certain situations, really, in there own way, they are opportunities, and we must see that another time to be there, advocate, and care for that family member may not come again. I know with my father it didn't. So I am glad for every single second...for every one of those numerous calls to the ED for bleeding or infection. . .or for the time I devoted to him while he was in the bone marrow unit for months. I am thrilled that we got time to take one last trip together. And though it was very painful to deal with, I am glad for one of the very last meals we had together. . .

Sometimes I get annoyed that things in my life dseem to have stopped me so frequently such that I am left to pick up and continue to move forward in such a slow manner--yet also while life is spinning so fast. But I remind myself that there are certain chances--opportunities that we are really privileged to have. . .even though they can be so hard.

Your destiny isn't ended. This is simply part of YOUR journey. Remember that your journey is not anyone else's. I have had some dogging b/c someone thought, I guess, if I were serious,capable, or whatever, I would have moved through this process faster. But my life and situations are, at least to some degree, unique to me. I have to look at what's in front of me and consider the opportunities. Some of them you can allow to pass while pursuing your goals, and others, well, if you do, you will always regret that you did--and some of those regrets will be doubly mean as they churn inside of you.

The best to you on your journey. You are neither down nor out. You are just passing through a detour that is unique to you.

I hope the best for you, your father, and family.

 

[The right Path]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's health, I hope he gets better soon.