It finally happened. I didn’t dare to believe it, but I hold in my hand a certificate from UBC that clearly states I am a Doctor of Medicine. Right now it feels like everyone who knows me or has ever known me has seen one of the media articles that celebrated my graduation as a mature student from UBC Medicine. I have been so honoured by the kind words and positive attention I have received, but that is not what this post is about. Now, there is only one thing left for me to say…
Thank you.
I need to say thank you to my friends and family who have been amazing and supportive at every turn. I need to say thank you for the incredible surprise celebration you honoured me with last weekend. Some people drove hundreds of miles to be there. I was so humbled. I need to say thank you to everyone who took care of my children and never judged me for being “that mom” who missed almost every sporting event for 4 years. I need to say thank you to my close friends who forgave me for not texting or calling for weeks to months at a time. Everyone has given me so much grace.
But mostly, I need to say thank you to Bruce.
Bruce, I know you will hate this post, but it is not coming down. I know you avoid taking any credit for our accomplishment, but you can’t be separated from it. While I was focussed on a single task (often selfishly so), you held our family together day in and day out. You got the kids to school in the morning. You picked them up from school in the afternoon. You made them dinner every day and on weekends you made us all dinner. You bought the groceries. You washed clothes and did the dishes. Did I mention that you built us a beautiful home during all of this? You did this while running your business and coaching a province full of judo kids, a job that often took you out of town. You like to comment on my long hours, but I’m not sure when YOU had time to sleep!
Our relationship is not perfect, but I am so lucky to share this life with you and I wanted everyone to know just how wonderful I think you are. (Really wonderful).
Thank you.
Love Rae
Up Next… Holidays!!! Check back in for TWO years of Residency Adventure on July 4!
Congratulations Rae! While you certainly don’t know me well, I have followed your path over the last couple of years through Bruce, who I have known since high school. My daughter is currently in 3rd year of NMP so whenever I run into Bruce at the grocery store (which it seems is daily sometimes lol) we compare notes. After watching the schedule that my daughter Kirsten is going through I can only say “wow” when I imagine what it took as a mature student with a family. My hats off to you and your amazing accomplishment. I wish you guys nothing but the best! Marty Anderson
Hi Marty, thank you so much for your comment! I really appreciate it! I’m sure your daughter is very thankful for the support she receives from you. 🙂 Congratulations to her. I will likely see her at the hospital this year as I rotate through many of the departments as a resident. I will watch for her. Have a wonderful night!
Congratulations. You are an inspiration to so many in so many ways. Even before you went to med school you made a difference in people’s lives and will now continue to do so. Best wishes to both you and Bruce.
Thanks so much Helen! I have always been lucky to have so many amazing people come into my life – like you guys! I hope you are enjoying lots of new adventures!
Congratulations Rae!
Such an amazing accomplishment! It must feel great to have come so far and to now look forward to new opportunities as a doctor.
Blessings,
Barb
Thank you Barb! It feels great to wrap up the first milestone and start thinking about the next step. :). Hope you are both well!
Hi Rae,
You are truly an inspiration for many, specially for individuals like me who are in a similar path as yours. I am a mature student who is planning to become an MD someday. It’s so frightening to leave the security of a good job and a pension and venture into this, but my heart tells me continuously that it is the right thing to do. I know that you must be super busy, but If I could ask you a couple questions over email, or even just a word of advice–if you have the time I will be forever grateful.
I don’t know you, but I do know that you are making this world better :).
Laura.
Hi Laura,
I have sent you a message. Thank you for your kind words!
Rae