Reflections on Graduating from Medical School: Part II

Getting to graduate from medical school with Aaron was so special to me. We were in this together, through the thick and thin. Medical school is such a pressure cooker - I think it can either cause relationships to scorch and burn, or it can create such a rich, savory medley. With God at the center of our marriage, it was definitely the latter for us. I look back on these newlywed years with such immense fondness. Aaron was such a rock for me throughout this entire experience, calming my anxiety, casting our my fear, empowering me when I was weak, giving me laughter and joy when I fell into despair. He has been so supportive of me, even when it meant enormous sacrifice on his part. Aaron always puts me first, which is such an incredible model to me, and to Julia, of Christ's love for His bride. We have been through so much together, but we are stronger and more deeply in love than ever.

White coat ceremony at the start of medical school. I was 21 and Aaron was 22. Seems like light-years ago, in some ways.

Medical school graduation. Older (26 and 25), wiser, more tired (ha!) and more in love than ever.

And how can I begin to describe Julia's role in these years? I would have to link to almost every blog post I've ever written. She has been our light, our pride, our joy, our sweet, sweet song. Julia has changed the way I see the world, and has shaped me more as a pediatrician than any other human being. I hope she can look to these years and be proud of her parents, for heeding God's call, even when it's not easy. I hope I am modeling to her the woman from Proverbs 31, who is "clothed with strength and dignity."

This post wouldn't be complete with saying that we never could have graduated without the love and support of all of our family and friends. The hours and hours of free childcare so many of our family and friends generously gave us. Meals cooked. Listening ears. Prayers and sacrifices offered. We wouldn't be where we are today without you. Special shout out to my sisters, who have poured hours upon hours of time into watching Julia, free of charge, for us during medical school. Aaron's family has pitched in a lot, too. We're so grateful.

In a special way, I want to recognize my parents for the role they played in helping us graduate from medical school. They were the sole childcare providers for Julia throughout medical school, and they continue to watch her today. My mom has had a more than full-time job watching Julia. My dad works so hard at his job to allow my mom to stay home, and he also watches Julia in much of his time off work. There are months that my mom or dad is over at our house at 5:30 am, and watch Julia until late in the evening. There are months that in addition to weekdays, Julia is at their house on weekends while we both work. The amount of time and energy they have invested in Julia is absolutely astounding, and the fruit of their labor of love really shows in the smart, kind, spirited girl Julia is growing up to be. My parents have allowed us to give of ourselves to our work without having to worry about Julia, because we know how safe, loved, and well taken care of she is at my parents' house. Words cannot adequately express the depth of gratitude we owe them. Throughout my childhood, they taught me the meaning of sacrificial love, but they have only continued to teach me this lesson in my adulthood through the way they have poured themselves out for our family. I am so grateful to God for the role they play in our life. My mom and I kept saying, "We did it!" when referring to graduation. Because, truly, WE did it. It wasn't just Aaron and me. It was all of us, sacrificing so much, to get us to this point. My parents are honorary DOs in my book.

Most importantly, I want to give my Lord the credit He is due. God is SO good, isn't He? So faithful. None of this would have been possible without His call, His strength, His grace. He put us on this path, and He brought it to completion. God truly brought about the victory.

"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

"The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the LORD’s." - Proverbs 21:31

"...Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57