Long Haul

For those of us who live in or who have traveled through the western United States, we have probably seen a long stretch of highway in the middle of the desert. It is so hot that you can see a mirage of a vast lake covering the road ahead. The closer we get however we realize that lake has disappeared only to reappear further up the road. When we reach that lake, again it disappears and reappears further up the road. On and on the cycle goes and we just never seem to get there. This past term has been similar to these mirages. I knew it would be a long hot drive through the desert of life but it seemed whenever I got to that nice cool lake, it disappeared only to reappear further down the road. 3rd term and 4th term are stacked together here. When I finished 3rd term finals on a Friday I was shocked to learn I was supposed to start a new term the next Monday. Just kidding I knew I had to start 4th term right away but you get my point. Just when midterms were over a new course started up. When we finished Microbiology for good they threw nutrition at us. When all of my friends got to go home for summer break, I had to stay another 6 weeks. On and on we went and we just never seemed to get there. But, just like driving down that hot highway we eventually reach our destination and the nice cool lake is no longer needed. I am very grateful for the experience of the dreaded 4th term. I learned a lot about medicine, myself, and just how much I really can endure and perform under pressure. I am grateful Kuulei is such a good wife and put up with me and my chronic absence in getting this thing done. I am glad I get a break now.