Well I kissed my sweetie goodbye today, leaked a little as I walked out to the parking lot at the airport and began a two month period of bachelorhood. Did I mention I miss her? I’ll be fine but did I mention how much I miss her? Sure things will be different, not worse, just different but did I forget to say how much I love this woman and miss her. She’s off to visit her sister and walk on the beach sorting out their relationship and other pressing issues.
Then it’s off to VA then FLA to visit sons and some truly extraordinary daughters in law. I truly have been blessed with the presence of some extraordinary women in my life, including my daughter in law to be. Finally she will arrive sometime near (we hope) the delivery of our second grandchild, first granddaughter and first child to TJ and Aven. Yes Aven is the one who’s pregnant but they both have symptoms and both deserve lots of love and support. The fam was out there this past weekend to “shower” the expectant Middlesworths with stuff. They hung out and laughed the weekend away, which at a most basic level validates my/our parenting as it is truly delightful that they enjoy each other’s company.
Today was one of sadness and reflection for me as I don’t enjoy being separated for great periods of time even if there is adventure involved, contrary to popular myth. I worked a local clinic and saw more of the same. It is the MOs that I enjoy as I seem to have something to offer on each case. I gave a talk this afternoon on hypertension; how it’s not a number were treating but a patient associated with the number, maximizing one med before adding another, when to switch, which to use based on race and ethnicity, and who not to treat. It was a hoot, very stimulating conversation, and I hope worthwhile.
Tomorrow it’s off to Cape Town for a class from Stellenbosch University from SA on decentralized post graduate training of family docs. The paradigm they use is to place a resident in a small community where the need is great then teach over the web. This way the resident has a local mentor who also benefits, bonds with the community, and generally stays there after residency is completed.
Jeez I miss her.
Then the third week in March I take to the road for a trial run out into the wilds of Western Bots to visit some remote hospitals and clinics so I can assess need and desire for assistance. That should be a true adventure. Love to hear from anyone out there,
Mike
2 comments:
It's always harder to be the one left at home than one who is leaving, I have found. Which is why we are both going to be gone to different spots next week so that we don't each have to be home alone. I'm off on a quilting retreat with Ann to Pacific Grove and Michael is off to teach the navy how to do surf rescues in Mississippi. I started my project for the quilting retreat using fabric from Botswana from Lynne. It's making wonderful roofs for some very high energy houses.
We miss you both lots. I thought of you this morning as we had a freestyle stroke day and coach Shea wanted us to use our hips in freestyle, unlike coach Dennis, who doesn't want me using my hips. Right now, freestyle just makes my shoulder hurt, hips or not, so I'm not going to worry about it too much... You would have enjoyed the practice.
Take care of yourself and enjoy your class.
--mj
As much as we appreciate your willingness to share, I'm sorry that you're forced to fly solo for awhile. Sounds exciting though, with a trip to Cape Town and then some outreach work which really seems to feed your soul. I'll echo your style of rhetoric...Have I told you how in awe I am of you and your salient ability to touch the lives of others?
You truly are my hero! Travel sweetly and know that we are taking good care of your better half this side.
Love you,
Olivia
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