On July 1st, my Dad celebrated his 25th anniversary with his medical group, Anesthesia Service Medical Group. Though it's his quarter century anniversary with ASMG, he's been an Anesthesiologist for almost 30 years now. As an SO whose soon-to-be hubby is just beginning his 4th year in medical school, that day for my fiancee seems a lifetime away... but I guess that makes sense considering 25 years is my lifetime...
There's a lot of to be said about my Dad, but no amount of words could do justice to the medical service he has provided over the years with class and integrity. That said... here's a couple of extremely noteworthy points. (I can't help but brag just a little.) First of all, he's one of the most peer-respected doctors I've ever encountered and was recently named one of San Diego's Top Doctors by San Diego Magazine. He was his hospital's Medical Director for several years, been on call thousands of times, helped well over 20,000 patients, and I've never once herd him complain. Lastly, and most impressive, he's been the best Dad, Husband, Brother, Son, and Friend, to anyone who has ever known him.
We congratulated my Dad through the day. Something I noticed was that he never let one thank you go by without sharing the praise with my Mom, without whom he said he success would be impossible. In my world, this is as close to Prince Charming as you can get!
Thinking as an SO, I felt empowered knowing that I will play an integral part in our happiness and success as our future unfolds - and so will you! I also felt grateful for a wonderful example from my Mom of how to support a spouse who is also a physician. When he was at the hospital, she ran the household and kept on top of us three kids without so much as batting an eye - cooking dinners singlehandedly, driving carpool for almost two decades, and always welcoming my Dad home from work like a sailor back from sea. One of my earliest memories is when my Mom would wake us up as my Dad was heading out the door in the wee hours of the morning so we could wave him out of the garage in his red Honda.
My Dad's a very humble guy, and didn't want any hoop-la over the occasion, so we celebrated the way he liked best: a family dinner in the backyard with all the fix'ns, including my Mom's decadent pot roast. Another highlight of the celebratory feast? My SO - newly freed from the tight grip of Step 2s - was able to join us. A joyous occasion indeed. :)
Three Cheers for my Dad, and my Hero... and I wish the same blessed future on each and every one of you current or future physicians out there.
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