Intern Year is Over?

Yep!! Well almost. Tomorrow is Stephen's last day of his first year (of 4) of residency. I remember this time last year how it hit me as I was ironing my husbands (newer, longer) white coat that we were starting what quite possibly could be the toughest year of our lives. You hear horror stories of what residency is like... and honestly, it's worse. I will never understand how Stephen can do what he does. God really gives residents reserve strength that I never had.

That being said, it wasn't ALL bad. There were months here and there where he'd get a "break." A 12 hour day seemed like "a good day" and an 8 hour day... while few and far between was like a VACATION! Having two days off in a row was amazing, and if you are on a rotation when this is the norm, it's awesome (Stephen had 1 of these months this year... in August). The thing is, he was still around enough. He was still super involved in David's life. He still made time to be a husband, let me cry on his shoulder when the stress of my day got to me (even though I know it couldn't compare to the stress he was under). I'm AMAZED with my husband, and I just don't gush enough on him, but it's true! Not only did he balance both worlds but he did both like a ROCK STAR. I think he's really well liked at work, he's learned so much, and feels ready to be an upper level. Here at home we're doing well, he still leads our family, and is present. Not that he's perfect, because no one is, but its just amazing to see how God is growing him.

So, I am very much looking forward to the next year while really cherishing the memories we've made this year. We love Charleston (Mt. Pleasant) where we live. We've made some great friends, found a great church, and it is starting to feel a lot more like "home." While next year at work is still sure to be challenging for Stephen, the hours at the hospital *should* be better, and he has worked in more vacations, and elective rotations. I feel like we "made it over the hump" and it'll be downhill from here. Lets hope so anyway!!!

Thanks for working so hard for us Stephen! Love you!