Thankful

So, taking a cue from a friend on facebook, I thought I'd write about what I'm thankful for. First, I'm thankful for my family and friends. I could not make it through this year, or this path in life, without them and their unending support. Being able to have someone come to pick up the dogs when we need, someone to help me by cooking some dinner when I can't get home in time, people to just vent at when work is tough; these are things that are priceless and that I couldn't live without. I am so lucky.

I'm thankful that I have all my faculties and that, even though med school is hard, it is not as hard for me as it is for some. I am thankful that I don't have to study as much as some people which gives me more time with those I care about.

I'm thankful I have found such fantastic mentors all along the way that will hopefully continue to be fantastic mentors and collegues throughout my career.

I'm thankful that I can be a part of patient care. I'm thankful that even though I can't, right now, take out someone's cancer, that I have the ability to offer empathy and compassion when the others around me don't have time to do so.

I'm thankful that I didn't find out today I have pancreatic cancer, unlike my patient. I'm thankful I could be there for them when all the pieces fell apart, and I'm thankful they have a great family to be there for them as they get put back together.