Doctors, Callings, Blessings

Brad is doing an inpatient rotation in Pediatrics at Seattle Children's Hospital. It is one of the best pediatric hospital's in the U.S., so this has been a good opportunity for him. Brad is working with the Cardiology team. He has been put in charge of the care for a few patients, reporting to the residents and attending doctors above him. He's learning a lot and he's been pretty busy. Okay, really busy (14-16 hour work days).

He came home the other night ashen-faced and visibly shaken. They had almost lost one of his patients. A two day old "Invitro" baby born to a couple who have been trying to have a baby for ten years. After talking with Brad that night, and over the past couple of weeks, I have realized something.

I have realized that I really have no idea of the pressures Brad (and other doctors) are under every day. I don't think most people do. The decisions he makes really are life or death decisions. Especially in this hospital. That's a lot of pressure and a lot of stress. It must be kind of lonely too. It's a profession like no other.

I received a new calling in my ward last week to be the Compassionate Service Leader. The calling in our ward is kind of unique because our ward takes care of all the LDS families that are patients in Seattle Children's Hospital. I've spent some time this week at the hospital. It's an amazing place. The staff there is amazing. So are the patients and their families.

My Relief Society President told me that she hopes (among other things) that through this calling I will gain a better understanding and appreciation for what my husband does every day so that I can be a good support to him throughout his career. I hope so too.

And I hope that, in some small way, I can help those families bear their burdens a little easier. When you become aware of people whose needs are so much greater than your own, it makes you very grateful for what you have. Last year I would have been complaining about rarely seeing my husband and handling two adorably active little girls alone. Right now I feel like I have too many blessings to count.

Lainy is growing up. Isn't she beautiful?

Leah discovering rocks on our walk.

Look at all those pagers!