“The question is not how much does the youth know whenhe has finished his education, but how much does he care. ”Charlotte Mason
I spent the better part of my twenties pursuing a dream. I slept very little and because of my tendency toward creativity (back then scrapbooking) I finished a lot of scrapbooks in the 90’s. Back then, my classmates called me “Martha”. I think that was due to the inevitable baking frenzy that would ensue when there was a Gross Anatomy test looming. Later, my patients would come to call me Dr. Edie—-kinda like Dr. Laura—-but with a southern drawl and more eye makeup.
I was drawn to medicine for many reasons but often I wonder if it wasn’t my own need for ‘healing’ that kept me going when I felt my head would explode from too much input and too little rest. Turns out, I was right. Those in the healing profession tend to broken albeit highly motivated people. And though I’m not practicing my art at present, I would never trade the gift I was given of taking the Hippocratic Oath and vowing first and foremost to ‘do no harm’. It is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. My patients taught me so much about what it means to truly care for someone else and that we never move past the need to stretch and learn and grow. What a paradox, to find the path to my own healing, in the quest to serve others. But that principle has its’ roots in the One great Healer—without whom there is no life.
Thirteen years of school and training (after high school) will fill your head with more facts than you could ever hope to remember. But what does it do to your heart? This nearly twenty year journey has left its’ mark on me. I am a different person in many ways but as I find myself in this medium of blogging, I find it strikingly familiar. In search of wholeness, we share our stories with each other, laying open our hearts with its’ hurts and wounds, praying that our story will find resonance and be a wellspring of hope and healing to ourselves and to others.
And in my mind, I find myself held by a vow here too—- to first ‘do no harm’. I also find that it’s a ‘privilege and responsibility that I don’t take lightly’. We all have stresses and conflicts and pain but I want this to be a place that will help you in your journey toward healing. It is the least I can do for the joy and inspiration and nourishment that you have brought to my heart.
So, in answer to the most frequent question in my inbox, “Don’t you miss working? How could you give up a career in medicine after working so hard to get it?”
Yes, I miss it. More accurately, I miss them—-the people who trusted me to care for their families. But I’m not sure this is altogether different. It’s all about relationship. And I am so thankful for you and for this online version of a very therapeutic relationship that has been such a source of growth and healing for me. They taught us in medical school that ‘people don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care’. It turns out to be true in most aspects of life.
Thank you for the way you have cared for me and my family. We pray blessings on you in return, from the One who gives perfect life, perfect peace, perfect healing.
Edie that was so beautifully written, and I can't agree with you more. I haven't totally left the medical world but I'm removed enough from it to focus on my family. I don't think of my education and experience as wasted, I think God is putting it to good use with most important patients in my life. Even still I find myself under qualified for my role as woman on most days. That's where God comes in and works His glory. Thank you for your friendship here in the bloggy world. God's blessings on your day! Sarah 😀
So very well written Edie. I know that you do offer words that are a balm to the soul, and care for others that springs from a God given talent. Wherever you are "working" God will use you and your tender heart to minister to others. Bless you.
Suzanne
Edie,
I resonate with you and the thoughts you have written about in many ways. I, too, have put my career aside to be a full time mom and homeschooler of 5 children. I studied chiropractic back in the late 80's and graduated in 1992. I practiced both full and part time and then eventually filled in for doctors on leave. Right after having our first baby, my heart tugged at me to stay home full time. It's a decision I will never regret. Later down the road, the Good Lord showed me that I would be a homeschooling mother. Whew! What a job!
I am thankful for all of the lessons the Lord has taught me through caring for patients and, more importantly, caring for my children with patience, or at times, the lack thereof. I miss practicing at times, but am fulfilled right here where God has lovingly placed me.
You are an inspiration and I think you should write a book. You are so talented with words.
I was just thinking about this last night as well. People always ask me, "Are you writing? Are you publishing?" And the answer has to be: not now. Right now, these children, this life is what is essential.
(You are a fantastic writer, by the way!!)
What a beautiful post. I concur with every single thing you said.
Blessings
~Amanda
I truly miss having you as my doctor. I always felt like you really, REALLY cared about how I was feeling and you were the first one to accurately diagnose me after several visits to other doctors. You have a gift for taking care of others and I am so happy that you have turned that gift towards your family – there is a season for everything! (But I secretly hope you go back to doctoring at some point so I can be your patient again – ha!)
Kris Price
as usual, beautifully said.
Great post Edie. I have to say (selfishly) that I'm glad your no longer working. If you were you might not have ever started this blog and it is such an inspiration to me. I don't homeschool my children but since reading your blog I have started Art Class at home, am teaching my daughter and myself how to sew and just really trying to be the best person, mother and wife I can be. So THANK YOU!
Awwww…
It is so very evident that you care. The way you post what's on you heart is inspiring. When you're hurting, we know it. When you're celebrating, we know it.
Your children are blessed to call you Mom. Your husband is blessed to call you his. We are blessed to be your blog friends.
Have a great day!
I didn't think it was possible for me to love your blog more, but now I do!
Thank you for sharing you REAL life with us. It is an inspiration to me.
Wonderfully said.
You will be richly blessed for the choices you have made!!
Hey Edie…I think it's truly beautiful how every season in our journey on earth enriches us in so many ways…if it being a really black cloud hovering over you season or a clear blue sunny skies season, each teach us so much! Especially when our hearts are surrendered to our Father in heaven! I am really enjoying getting to know you and even though we are worlds apart it's like you are just next door! The beauty of blogosphere!
Lot's of Love
Sarah…
p.s thanks for following me on twitter…what an honor!
Hi Edie, I was touched by your inspiration, as always, and read further back to get to know you more. I appreciate where you've come from and how you continue to give. Thank you, Edie! xo
Brilliant. The line about knowledge and caring struck me HARD today. And for what it’s worth, I whole-heartedly agree… the right depth of relationships and the right mix of bonds here in blogging can be incredibly healing. One of my favorite things about your writing style show you draw spiritual importance out of common experiences. I think it’s exactly how we are designed to live on this earth.
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