I was getting complacent. Mike was nearing the end of his Masters program and we have two adorable, sweet children. Loved my job, the hospital, our friends, and our ward. I was starting to get used to the traffic and Maryland culture (an area that combines Northern hospitality with Southern efficiency, according to someone at church). Those are the times that some sort of life-altering change creeps up on you and startles the bejeebers out of you, forcing you to rely more on family and the Lord and less on yourself. It's not a bad thing, but it's a scary thing.
So our change looming on the horizon is that the Army is moving us. You might remember that they threatened to do it last year but then changed their minds at the last minute. Well, they changed their minds again, only instead of sending us to Colorado, they're moving us to North Carolina for two years. And I don't get to be a developmentalist. I don't even get to be a pediatrician. I get to be a general practitioner for around 3,000 soldiers. It's a move and an assignment that I'm trying to be positive about, but deep down I'm looking forward to it like unanesthetized dental surgery.
Mike and I do something to help Sophia, who is a pretty anxious and timid child. When there's something/someone that intimidates her or that she wants to avoid, we say "hi" to it/him/her until she feels comfortable. Hi, heater! Hi, blender! Hi, nursery leader! Hi, printer! People must think we're pretty strange.
In that vein, here's the mantra I've been telling myself lately:
Hi, moving with a toddler and an infant!
Hi, moving right after I get back from two weeks of training in Texas!
Hi, Fort Bragg!
Hi, regular hooah Army!
Hi, being a Brigade Surgeon!
Hi, having adult patients for the first time since 2006!
Hi, treating STD's, back pain, and ingrown toenails!
I'm sure it will end up being one of those blessing-in-disguise sort of experiences. I'm sure our family will end up loving North Carolina. I'm sure going to miss complacency, though.
Perhaps if you try to remember that most of your patients are still kids at heart, that will help, and Mike will finally have some more downtime with you! I know its going to be rough. But you guys are tough, and North Carolina is such a beautiful, friendly place, at least when we've been there as visitors. All the best to you guys!
ReplyDeleteUgh. That is a lot of change all at once. I'm sorry, Michelle! We'll be thinking and praying for you and your family. And like you said, someday it will likely be a blessing...but for a few days (at least) give yourself permission to cry and demand chocolate posthaste!
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