A letter on inauguration day....

My dear wife,

We are about to begin on a long journey. I have some idea what to expect but you never know until you've walked the walk. Thank you for sticking by me through the last few years of hard work and taking chances.

The next few years will no doubt change us. For me, I am sure I will encounter times of great struggle, times where I feel people are against me, times of failure, but also times of triumph. I will be afraid at times, and I will be proud at times. 

My job will keep me away from you for long days and nights. I'm sure there will be much uncertainty.  Holidays may not get celebrated on the actual day. Birthday and anniversary plans may be cancelled at the last minute.

I hope you can find support from the community to help you when I am unable. I want you to be safe and to find a place you belong. I'd like to say "we" but I am afraid to promise too much.

I'm dedicating my life to serving others. To a constant and steep learning curve. I need you with me on the journey. Know that at the bottom of whatever mess this becomes, you mean the world to me. Never doubt that.

I love you,

Dr. Arm

*********

Now I would bet Barack Obama sent some kind of letter like that to Michelle. Actually, he probably did it over candelight and roses.

If you know anyone about to begin residency, feel free to copy and send as a template for him/her to give to their spouse.

I doubt many spouses of physicians get this kind of affirmation prior to the start of medical training.

Not that being a doctor is exactly like being the president but both certainly put a spouse in a secondary position. A place where you can become really lonely. Finding some tangible evidence that you were once "normal" would be nice to have.

I wish I could say it changes once "real life" begins.

I have saved all the little cards and notes from days gone by. Good thing I did. And I guess, added up, they all say what I imagine Barack said to Michelle 2 nights ago.

Comments

[Gretchen]

Find you through another blog. Your husband's note is so kind. I'm in the same boat as you. Haven't read that much of your blog yet, but if you need support, there are a lot of us out there.

[Marci]

good stuff. that one made me cry.