Remember
It was already a very full weekend. Football game, family time, friend time, not to mention I needed to get in about 20 hours of studying somewhere. But this visit was a priority and I could not wait! When I walked up to the complex the children immediately recognized me. Their smiles warmed my heart in a way that hasn’t happened in a while. When I came to the door instead of the traditional kiss she gave me an American hug and I was a little taken aback by it. Instead of adapting my customs to honor her, she honored me. Her neighbor, another friend of mine, came over and when asked if she was attending that evening’s social event, she replied (in reference to me) “No, this is not just a friend, this is my family.” It had only been about 2 years since I had seen them, yet the bonds created where still so strong. It was a great visit, and a wonderful reminder of why I am in medical school. She made me a wonderful Middle Eastern dish and as I ate we talked about her back pain; how mult...