I Wish God Could Explain......

This week is my first week teaching hematology to the 4th year vet students by myself. But before this week, I had the pleasure of sitting in on 2 other rotations (to see how the other residents teach) and getting to know the students. One student in particular really stood out to me, not only because she was really bright and worked hard, but because she had such a vibrant and positive personality, one that could light up a room. Her name was Cassandra, and she was killed in a car accident this past Sunday night. When I found out about it I was numb. I remember having a conversation with her not even 2 weeks ago about the veterinary board exams, jobs, etc. I can't even describe the range of emotions I have felt since I found out about her accident yesterday morning. Growing up I was always taught that God has a plan for each and every one of us, and that sometimes it is hard to understand, but not only do I not understand it, it makes me so angry and really tests my faith. I hate how much pain and suffering happens to people in this life, and I hate it even more when wonderful young people are taken from us. Cassandra had so much love for the veterinary profession and so much drive to pursue her dream. She was so close to earning her DVM and had so much life ahead of her. My heart is breaking for her fiance, her family, and her friends, some of which are my current students. Please keep them in your prayers during this extremely difficult time.
It is times like these that really make me take a long look at my life and focus on what is really important. Don't focus on petty crap, it doesn't matter. Take pleasure in the small things - a smile, conversation with a friend, a hug or kiss from those you love the most, your cat purring in your lap. Cherish every moment you have because life can be taken from you in an instant. Always forgive, and love with your whole heart and soul.

I Never Thought This Day Would Come......

This is going to sound crazy but for once in my life I am truly HAPPY to go into work every day, and as a result am slowly turning into more of a morning person. There are no doubts, nerves, or "ugh I wish I could just stay in bed" feelings , NONE. Even though I've only been there two weeks now I truly LOVE my clinical pathology residency. I have been crazy busy trying to study all the topics I am going to have to start teaching in a couple weeks but I love every minute of it. And not only have I found something that I love, but I dare say something that I actually have true potential at being good at! In the past few weeks I correctly diagnosed (some were current cases others old cases that have since become teaching files ) things such as a melanoma from a dog's toe, an osteosarcoma (bone tumor) from a dog's shoulder blade, a squamous cell carcinoma in a horse's belly fluid (which is REALLY RARE - the tumor was actually in the horse's stomach but it seeded into the abdomen), a couple of mast cell tumors, and a few fungal infections. That is just some but I have so much fun doing it - it's like every slide is a mystery that I get to try and solve. I am fully aware that I probably sound like a total geek at the moment but I am so excited and happy about my residency. I know with 100% certainty that God has led my husband and I to the right place. Steve is doing phenomenally well in school and his job is going great as well, I am so proud of him :) Well back to a weekend of studying and then comes Monday that I actually look forward to now! Wow, God is good :)