Monday, May 29, 2006

Today at work....

.... I saw the radiant 'Kayla' who, after several months of failing to conceive, and a heartbreaking miscarriage, is halfway through a healthy pregnancy - a little brother or sister to her boy, 'Mikey'.

I spoke with a brave woman who is living with the fact that she and her husband have endured six unsuccessful IVF cycles thus far.

I congratulated a young woman who was rather startled, yet thrilled, to find herself pregnant after the first month of trying for a family.

A young pharmacist told me how she and her husband have only one child, by choice, because one child was 'more than enough!' for them to handle.

I discussed the treatment for a sexually-transmitted infection with a young woman who has recently has her second termination.

It's a funny old world. Life on this planet is glitter-good, brutish-bad, wonderful, awful, and all the shades in between.... but always, always fascinating. What a strange but enthralling day it's been.

I try never to forget what a magnificent gift I am given by those who entrust me with their confidences. Their stories I carry with me, often seared into my memory. I can't help but feel my life is so much richer for what these people have shared with me.

9 comments:

TUFFENUF said...

It must be an exciting, wonderful job. You get a lot of happiness and sadness but seem to accept both as a part of life. I really love your attitude, I love to hear your stories.

Motherkitty said...

Jelly, you picked the correct vocation to practice your life's work. You are so sensitive and understanding that you make the perfect physician. Don't you think it is sometimes difficult to listen to others' life stories and not pass judgment, criticize, laugh at stupidity, preach to, or get mad at them? Don't you find it easy to love them all in a simple way (there but for the grace of God go I)?

Your patients are very lucky to have you taking care of their physical and emotional needs.

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

I think working in the healthcare industry makes you look at life differently than everyone else. You tend to overlook the minor annoyances that others dwell on and you appreciate life and your wonderful family.

Sharon said...

Those patients are lucky to have you as their doctor.
I love to hear your stories too...

John Cowart said...

I'll bet you're an easy person to talk to.

I checked on the baby you suggested might be stolen; that had never crossed my mind. It's ok. Other neighbors knew about all about it. I am just not very observant.

Redneck Mommy said...

What a great job you have. I wish more doctors felt the way you did.

They are lucky to have you. I am lucky to have found you...

Cheers!

Heather said...

" Life on this planet is glitter-good, brutish-bad, wonderful, awful, and all the shades in between.... "

I love the way you wrote that.

Franny said...

Wow, hearing the details of your day fills me with even more respect for you and your profession.
Sometimes I worry that the Dr. doesn't really care, that you are "annoying" them when you give them the info, the history, the problems.
I certainly hope my physician walks away feeling like you do.

Kerri said...

Your love of people and interest in them makes being a Dr. the perfect profession for you. Wish more Dr.s were as good at listening, communicating and understanding as you are. You're such a sweetheart Jelly :) Thanks for sharing those thoughts with us.