Lessons for Loved Ones
I was just in a semi-severe car accident on Friday. And if there’s one thing that’ll change your perspective on life, it’s a near-death experience. I will be making a video on my thoughts before, during, and after the crash… my thoughts as a husband, as a father, as a son… as a patient in a hospital, as a doctor, and as a human in general. Until, I finish that video, I found one that is a must-see.
If you’re a parent or if you have parents (which means you), you must watch this video. Although it is not in English, there are very few words… and it has subtitles. The lesson is priceless.
Because of the time constraints we face as physicians and healthcare workers, we run the risk of harming our loved ones. Don’t take them for granted… they may not understand the pressures of being post-call, preparing for presentations, applying for fellowship, etc, etc. They’ve supported you through the years… don’t go through your clinical years of medical school, your internship, and your residency assuming you will have time for family and friends when these milestones are passed. You may be harming them in the meantime.
Watch this video… it’s only a few minutes. Then take a few minutes more and ask yourself the following question: “What can I do today, right now, to improve a relationship with someone I care about?” (even if it is small)
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May 29th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Hope that you are doing well and glad that you came out of it relatively unscathed.
The message that you sent with your reflection couldn’t have come at a better time. Note taken. Thanks for sending that.
May 29th, 2010 at 5:05 am
You’re very welcome, Lisa. I hope everything is well on your end.
For me, yes, I’m doing well since the accident… occasional back & neck pain, but nothing unbearable. Overall, though, I’m much better off than before the accident. Sometimes all it takes is a perspective change & wow, you see the world an entirely different way – your family, your friends, your time, & other things to be grateful for.
Medical training involves so much of our time, our energy, our emotion, and our thoughts, that the other realms of life can suffer. When, in reality, you need those other realms now more than ever.
Anyway, I hope that whatever you’re going through is a growth opportunity for you & I wish you the best.
Dr. Tori
August 7th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Hope you’re doing much better. Thanks so much for sharing the video. It’s a great reminder to all of us. I’m especially touched since my mom lives a continent away from me. Sometimes it’s easy to forget to get in touch. Even if she is constantly in my thoughts, I know I have to actively let her know how much I Iove her. Thanks again! Hope you have a speedy recovery.
August 7th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Thanks Bernice
Yes… thankfully, I am fully recovered.
As for your mother being far away… the key is that *you* have to be the active part of your relationship with her. Sometimes, our loved ones assume that we’re so busy that they do not want to “bother” us. So, they leave out important life events occurring back home. Or they don’t call when they really want to.
I wish you & your mother
the best
Dr. Tori