It’s a tough thing indeed to be working full time in healthcare in any role; physicians have it twice as hard as the rest of us though. You’re in high demand and there are not enough of you to go around. Nice reminder though as you encourage others based on your experience.
I was an only child, so that’s even more fun. When my mother started having memory issues, we struggled with the parent/child reversal of roles. She e fiercely independent to start with, and a very strong personality. I felt like I had broken a promise when we had to have her placed in long term care. But due to my back issues, I could not care for her myself, as she was falling a lot and I couldn’t lift her. It felt horrible. I dreaded visiting her because she often used me as a target for her anger; her memory also became progressively worse very quickly, and for the last 6 months of her life she kept calling me her favorite sister in law. But I dutifully went as often as I could; working 12 hour shifts didn’t help, as I did not go out to see her after I got off work. I’m sure I still broke her heart.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this today. I understand - because you explain it so well - how doctors are in some way especially indebted to their families for support. But I must say your point applies more generally. I came of age in the middle class at a time when individuation was emphasized to such a degree that family connections were sometimes not only neglected but suspect. I'm only now discovering that the love across generations is precious.
It’s a tough thing indeed to be working full time in healthcare in any role; physicians have it twice as hard as the rest of us though. You’re in high demand and there are not enough of you to go around. Nice reminder though as you encourage others based on your experience.
I was an only child, so that’s even more fun. When my mother started having memory issues, we struggled with the parent/child reversal of roles. She e fiercely independent to start with, and a very strong personality. I felt like I had broken a promise when we had to have her placed in long term care. But due to my back issues, I could not care for her myself, as she was falling a lot and I couldn’t lift her. It felt horrible. I dreaded visiting her because she often used me as a target for her anger; her memory also became progressively worse very quickly, and for the last 6 months of her life she kept calling me her favorite sister in law. But I dutifully went as often as I could; working 12 hour shifts didn’t help, as I did not go out to see her after I got off work. I’m sure I still broke her heart.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this today. I understand - because you explain it so well - how doctors are in some way especially indebted to their families for support. But I must say your point applies more generally. I came of age in the middle class at a time when individuation was emphasized to such a degree that family connections were sometimes not only neglected but suspect. I'm only now discovering that the love across generations is precious.
Your insight is Shakespearean. Thank you!
That is some beautiful writing, Dr. Leap, and it hits close to home.