May the Angels Lead You

Dear Marian,

May the angels lead you into Paradise.
May the martyrs come to greet you on the way.
May they lead you home to the holy city,
to the new and eternal Jerusalem.

May the choirs of angels come to welcome you.
May they take you to the arms of Abraham,
where Lazarus is poor no longer,
and there may you find rest, rest eternal.

Light eternal shine on You. May you rest in peace. Amen.

♥ Raquel

Downtime to Hostility

Maybe hostile is an exaggerated word, but that has been others attitude towards me the past couple of days in the hospital. I admit, I am a fresh 3rd year medical student, I don't know what the heck I am doing. I have loved every minute so far of my rotation in internal medicine. However, there is much unwarranted animosity directed at me. I felt sad today because I had two nurses scold me, one for simply sitting in the wrong seat. How am I supposed to know what the assigned seating at the nursing station is? I try to alleviate the strain by introducing myself and putting on a friendly face, but it is not reciprocated. I do admit it is probably difficult for them to have new medical students rotating through every month, it is just not enough time to acclimate. But, I have always gotten along well with nurses, I used to be one of them (at least a nurses aid). I even had a patient tell me she didn't like doctors because they are only in it for the money. I politely corrected her and said not ALL doctors are in it for the money, a pool I consider myself to be a part of. I think she felt bad afterwards as she apologized and we were able to talk on the same level thereafter. I was offended, though. I have done everything I can to be friendly, not be in the way or inconvenience anyone, and to lend a helping hand however I can. Maybe it just isn't enough. I have never believed in the hierarchy of the medical system. Everyone's role is important. Collaboration and not dictation. Any suggestions on how to lessen this tension and hostility? I want so badly to be liked and spoken to in a polite manner. I don't expect nor want to be hailed but I also do not feel that my wearing a white coat should preclude others to be rude to me, as I am not to them. I do understand, however, that it is impossible for me to get to know all 200 nurses working in the hospital in two months. Perhaps that is the crux of the problem and not me.

Besides that, I have loved working in internal medicine at the hospital. The fast pace suits me well. I like talking to the patients and letting them know I am there for them if they need anything and to put a smile on their face. My prayer for this week is for limitless knowledge capacity to always have an open heart. Oh, and that my preceptor sees me as an asset by the end of the two months and not a hindrance to his work. :)

What have Ryan and I been up to the past three weeks?

We attended a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium on a seventy degree evening outdoors, bliss. The Twins winning was just icing on the cake.

We went to the free Friday night concert at Crown Center and saw Jo Dee Messina perform. I got to go right up to the stage and get a picture. Kacie and Tessa, I didn't have the privilege of going under the stage and getting lost in VIP afterwards... ringing any bells? Haha!! She was very good, though the place was packed. All I have to say is don't mess with a redneck and their free concert, had to be there I guess...

Labor Day weekend in Minnesota at the State Fair. I wish I could say this was the best state fair experience I have had. However, I can't. I think the inability to walk further than one block in an hours worth of time, losing every member of our party at least once, and the gastroenteritis that pervaded the family that night and day afterwards made it memorable but not in a good way. However, the trip was worth it. I had questioned making the trip as I thought the time was not sufficient but as Ryan pointed out any time with family is better than no time. Always a man of words, my husband. :)

I got to spend a night at Savay's new apartment and I think Ryan was shocked to find someone even more of a neat freak than me - it has always been this way as Savannah will attest. Nanny, you have made quite the pad for yourself and I hope I can stay with you again soon. Ryan joked around with me on the ride home that someday when Savannah and I are menopausal and both married, we will still be sleeping together watching Felicity while our husbands sleep on the couch. I told him I hope that's the scenario. Don't get between me and sleepovers with my siblings, I cherish them more every time; even if it means taking turns cleaning up remnants of nausea through the night. Nothing better.

Thank you everyone for the hospitality and love. We hope to come visit again soon.

♥ Raquel (& Ryan)

P.S. I have taken a temporary leave of absence from Facebook in pursuit of other endeavors. I feel it will free up more time for reading books and exploring new and healthy recipes. I'm sure I will reactivate in due time when I am in withdrawal of picture updates. Capisce?