I've been on the couch for 36 hours now,
having come down with something that I am positive Kyle brought home
from the hospital. His immune system is like superman, and well, mine
isn't. Maizy has been snuggling with me all day, so I'm positive she is
also feeling a bit under the weather. I've mustered up enough
energy to write, because, quite frankly, daytime television is awful!
I'm not sure I could take another episode of CNN Newsroom or Property
Brothers, love you both, but I have overdosed at this point.
My original intent of this post was to tell you about a fun holiday party last week. Then, I realized that I've never properly introduced you to the people who attended the party. Some VERY important people- the 'gamechangers', if you will. I've shared some of our adventures, like kayaking, our wine trip, or tailgating at games, but you've been left in the dark about weekly runs, dinner dates, book clubs, encouraging emails, birthday parties, dog dates or the occasional rant about residency (sorry, it's mostly because this blog isn't a play by play.)
So, backing up a moment. Let's regroup and discuss these people who have blessed me beyond measure. Before June, we were all strangers. Each of our significant others started residency at UM in the Spring, so we formed a quick bond over cocktails at welcome receptions. "Oh, you've just moved here too!" {insert BIG sigh of relief}. All but three of us had just unpacked our bags in Michigan, with little idea of what was next.
From those get-togethers, our friendships snowballed. And the more we were able to meet other wives, the bigger our dinner dates became. "Ohh I met someone else! Add them to the email list!"
There is always someone to call, always someone whose hubby is on nights who can watch a chick flick with you, always a dinner date, and always someone who understands. That's the biggest thing- understands. We celebrate together, we cry together, we have an occasional glass of wine in our pajamas and share cartons of ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. There is a large shock value in adjusting to life in residency, and it's comforting to know that we aren't the only ones absorbing it. We can walk through it together and have better friendships and marriages because of the support we are able to lend one another. Oh, and of course, have a lot of fun along the way.
When we found out we were moving to Michigan, we were so excited and thankful. I was also nervous. I didn't know a lot of people in the area anymore, so I prayed that we'd find good friendships, and quickly! At our holiday party, I looked around and I remembered having prayed for these girls in my life. Couldn't imagine the past six months without them!
Hope you feel better and we switch places ;). That's great you were able to connect with the other wives- I'd hoped that there was a support group at M's med school but most students are single in his class. Oh well hopefully his residency program will bring more friends in similar situations, happy you found some!
ReplyDeleteI found it difficult at first to connect and find people when Kyle was in medical school too. However, some of my closet friends ended up being classmates of his! It can be so hard to plug into new places!
DeleteThat is amazing! I am so glad you found the right people at the right time and now I am a little jealous:-) But happy for you! Having a great support system and friends is what makes life enjoyable.... you'll be able to get through anything.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's so true. It's made the transition less stressful and more enjoyable. There is a large residency network for spouses here, so I assumed there was at other schools as well. Is there not?
DeleteSo great you have a support system of what looks like great women. I have been working on building that up at my hubby's program!
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