Unsung Heroes

Last week I began my residency, but not before an exhausting orientation session at school. Out the window went our preconceived notions of a smooth sailing clinical rotation. We had naively anticipated a non-stressful period free of papers, assignments, deadlines and late nights burning the midnight oil. Well needless to say we were slapped in the face with an overdose of reality: we are students to the very end! The wise choice was to suck it up, and take on all they threw my way with the same positive outlook that had seen me through my quest for higher education the last few years.

Well back to my residency. Last Tuesday was my first day on the unit. I was shaking like the dickens! I wasn't sure what to expect. However I soon overcame my insecurities and took on the challenge head first. I was fortunate enough to be placed at one of the best hospitals in the area. The staff are amazing. Each one has an important role to play and they play it well. I've been flying by the seat of my pants since my first day on the unit. There is so much to do, so little time! I love every minute of it though. This is truly my calling.
I have met truly inspiring people. They are not celebrities or famous in the sense of the word; however they are extraordinary in their own right. They have permanently impacted my life in more ways than one. My outlook on life has been transformed. Here I was complaining about something as trivial as a heavy course load while there are people out there fighting to survive another day. It's interesting how as mortals we tend to direct our focus on what we don't have and what we wish we had. We forget to take the time to appreciate what we do have. The simple things: waking up in the morning and not having to deal with excruciating pain; being able to see; hear, feel the warm rays of the sun on your skin; savor flavorful tastes....I could go on for days.
Life is arduous, however I think some people have it harder than others. "It's so unfair", I caught myself stating every so often. Why do people have to suffer like they do? However,the people I empathize with are not bitter, grouchy people wallowing in self-pity. They are jolly individuals who have accepted the hand they were dealt. Each one of them is an inspirational individual with a sunny disposition despite dealing with grave medical conditions. Without a doubt they are unsung heroes.