Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Good/Bad Versions of Life

I've often thought of how in life you have your "good" version and your "bad" version. Depending on how well you know someone, or how much you want to divulge, people can very different impressions of you-your life history, experiences, challenges etc.
Recently we went on vacation. Here is the good version:
A young-ish couple with three handsome boys traveled to see friends outside of Kirtland, Ohio. It was beautiful and early spring. We had an egg hunt, enjoyed company and saw some beautiful and historic places.
Then, we traveled to New York where we saw The Sacred Grove, the Boook of Mormon publishing site, and the Hill Cumorah. We also went to see the majestic Niagra Falls. Pictures were taken, and it was a worth while and faith promoting experience.

Now, would you like to hear the bad version?
My back is still sore from the workout we did with our friends!!! The van had crazy issues and we were out nearly one thousand bones!! Ivan threw up just as the tour guide was explaining how Joseph Smith walked in these same places!!
It was so foggy on our day in Niagra, that the kids thanked us for taking them to see the clouds. We never could get the full view of Niagra.

And now for the news-news.
THE BIG NEWS.
Josh tells me on the way home that he is ready to give up surgery. Something he has been struggling with not only 2 years of residency but also his senior year of medical school (when he interviewed in Pathology and Surgery). He is a talented surgeon and has done well. It is a big deal to let this dream go. But, he had decided to choose a better life for himself and his family. He will be a pathologist, a microscope geek, knowing how to identify almost anything. He will get to teach, and become an expert in this field. He will have great hours (yipee!).

We exercised great faith as he told Riverside Methodist he will not be returning for a third year (he will finish this contract through end of June). All of this two weeks after the interview/match season had ended.
He then contacted a few schools hoping that there would be a pathology position somewhere in the country. I feel the Lord's hand is watching over our little family. We are in Little Rock today. There just happens to be a job opening here-in pathology. The chances of that are so small that I am sure the Lord knew the timing of all of this.
Josh just left for his interview.....
and, that is THE BIG NEWS.




10 comments:

wordandcraft said...

I'll be praying that the interview goes well. :)

Charity Brown said...

WOW! I hope his interview goes well! At least he'll be able to look back and know he at least gave surgery a try, instead of always wondering. How long is a pathology residency?

We have a friend who is just finishing his 4th year OB/GYN residency and decided he hated OB a year or two in. He and his wife decided though for him to tough it out (which I don't personally think I could ever ask of Tyler to do if he hated it, haha, but that's another story) and he at least lucked out in finding a job where he's basically going to ONLY do the surgery parts of it and the midwives handle the deliveries and appointments. So, that's good news for them! Glad you guys are making a decision that works for you and that you feel good about it! Good luck to Josh at his interview!!!

Jessica said...

Wow! That is big news. I will missing having you guys nearby, but I hope this works out in the best possible way for you.

I love your Good/Bad versions. That is so true. It is also a good reminder that you shouldn't waste time assuming someone else has the perfect life. Just assume you are just getting the good version.

Unknown said...

stink, that kind of life changing decision is SOOOO hard, I worry that we'll be in that boat in a few years. Eric's 3rd backup plan is pathology, but I'm still hopin we match into Rad-onc next year and don't have to explore back up options 1 or 2 let alone 3. Good for you guys to bite the bullet, even when it is so hard. Prayin the interview goes well. If you DO get it, let's be sure to get together for lunch or something before you head back to AR for good.

Giggles said...

That's definitely true about the good/bad versions. There are times when I consciously give out different versions of the story because of the different people I am talking to.

I know things will work out for the best for you two. I just hope the best is what you want. :)

ooooo said...

is it sad that some of us hope you come back to LR!?!?!?

Eudaimonia said...

Narrowing in on the possibility that you will be moving back to the Little Rock area: YAY!!! Let me know if I can help find housing, furniture, or whatever.

HUGS!!

Gerbera Daisy Diaries said...

There are lots of houses waiting for you in LR!!

Mimi Nowland said...

Keep me posted! I like the better hours part, I'm sure you do too.

Valerie said...

Oh no... does this mean that we have to find a new chorister soon?