Every day reminders

It amazes me some days how quickly a week goes by, and yet how long it feels like since I've hugged my mom.

I have had amazing opportunity to relax, lay in the sun, read a book, and finally sleep. I have caught up on the phone, AIM, skype, and webchat with friends and family. I have seen new babies, and heard of engagements. My friends from SMU that went home have emailed/called to check in, and shared happy stories about home. I stay strong, knowing soon it will be my turn to share family memories. I am so excited for Nashville, and to share in my sister's big day.

I found out today that two sisters 16 & 17 who attend our church, died in a MVA accident this weekend near home. A student at SUNY Brockport died Saturday. These are the days its hardest to be away. I long to see so many people I befriended at college, and unfortunately will miss so many of them when I travel back to the states in August. I long to go to church will my whole family, to see my grandma, and sleep in that wonderful yellow room.

The reality of life is that as new ones begin, others end. Some, way too soon. It is a fact of life, and one I continuously struggle with. Sometimes I feel it will make me a horrible doctor-death occurs every day. And others, I know its what makes me, me. There need to be people to bring that new life in, right?

18 days until I hug my sisters, and my mama. I'm counting the seconds. Please pray for my church family, and my college community.

Vacation in Cayman!

For the first time in my six months on the island, I have actually had the opportunity to enjoy the island. It is beyond weird to have NOTHING to do. Most of my classmates went home for the break-most left Wednesday, some Thursday, and the rest this past Friday. However, there are a few guys who are staying until tomorrow, Tuesday, and Thursday. I've been enjoying, for the most part, being one of the guys.

Thursday, we rented a hobie cat (above). It's basically a small Catamaran, and lucky my friends Josh and Mike had past experience sailing. Friday, I had my first experience snorkeling on the island. I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but Grand Cayman is the second best place in the world to deep sea (scuba) dive. While I'm a bit too claustrophobic for deep sea, my dad did get me snorkel gear (mask, mouth piece, and flippers) for my birthday and I've yet to wear them. After a quick lesson, I got situated and popped my head under the water for a peak, and I'm surprised my eyes didn't bug out of my head. The fish were SO colorful, not the brown fish I see at the supermarket, but the yellow, purple, orange and blue fish you see in Nemo. They're actually real! It was absolutely amazing. When we were finishing our trip out, we ran into 4 tarpons (perhaps tarpon, not sure the plural of big scary fish). Tarpon are sport fish-which means if you catch them, you throw them back because they are very bony and not tasty to eat. Lets just say when I faced these 4 foot fish face to face, I was ready to be done with my first day of snorkeling.

The past days we've been sitting on the beach, swimming, napping, and watching sunsets. I miss home, my family, and so many friends I am dying for August to see everyone. I will post pictures of the end of the semester (and first year of med school!), as well as vacation pictures after I have them organized. All my best to everyone in the states.
25 days til Nashville!

The Wedding!

As I mentioned before, I had a very busy March. By far the best part of March, and the year for that matter, was my trip to Oneonta, New York. My best friend from Brockport, then Ruth Deemer, asked me to be her maid of honor in her wedding. It was an amazing privilege to stand next to such a strong girl and wonderful friend, and her new husband. After the stress of leaving the island, driving through the city, writing a speech and making her day as stress free as possible, I realized something Roo and I get better than most-being together means more than any small detail every could. My face hurt from smiling for two days straight, and it was one of the most uplifting and heart strengthening experiences of my life. There will always be people who mean so much that you don't get to see enough-but I am blessed to have shared that day, and am very very thankful for that. Finally, here are some photos. March 21, 2009; Congratulations Ruth & Chris Franks, thank you for inviting me to share your day!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Right where I'm supposed to be

I realized again tonight that I haven't blogged since White Coat. Which-is crazy. I have a lot to catch up on, and can't do all of it at once. However, this Tuesday I finish my first year of medical school and will be enjoying a 2.5 week break in sunny Grand Cayman. I can hardly imagine what it will be like without work to do. Actually, I can't imagine it at all.

In March I took two sets of blocks, got my first white coat, was maid of honor in my best friend's wedding (pictures to come), and still managed to have time to sleep. Its crazy, and I cried many times-but there is still never a day when I believe I should be anywhere else, and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to study medicine. God is so good!

In sad news, my friend Richard found out a few weeks ago that his father has stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and has 2-4 weeks to live. He immediately left after shelves, with his family-who I've become close to as well-and is just back to take exams now. Please pray for his family. It is a gut wrenching reality check that the stuff they cram into us here is a reality in lives, and sometimes even ours.

Last, I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Easter! I am planning on going to mass, but outside of that won't have time for much else so please, eat peeps for me, dye easter eggs, look for baskets, and eat a big dinner! And most important hug your family, you never realize how fortunate you are to share holidays with them until you can't. If you're together with family or friends, I'd love to see pictures, send them my way!

I miss the states so much, but as my mom says, "focus". So, back to work! much love