You never realize what is truly important to you until it's gone. Making the decision to uproot from middle TN and relocating to the Dutch Caribbean was not an easy transition in any way. It really is challenging getting used to a $90+ grocery budget each week - not having fresh vegetables, access to affordable products that I know and love, let alone the $20 it costs to get one load of laundry done. Living out of a suitcase with all my earthly belongings either locked away in a dorm room or my storage unit back home makes me appreciate the things that truly do matter and are permanent.
Yes, as much as I miss my kitchen appliances, BMW, desktop computer and speakers, heck, I miss my pillow-top mattress!! But more than anything, though I'm living my dream: I'm in medical school becoming the physician I'm called to be so that I can provide for the family I'm destined to have, I am so thankful for those I love. When all the material things are stripped away, either by choice or unforeseen circumstances, when all you're left with is the clothes on your back, what you value is the permanent - not the temporary.
When I'm old and lived a life working hard to provide for my family, raising my children to give back, being kind and compassionate to all men and women I come into contact with, serving every one of my patients with excellence, I'll know then that I lived a fulfilling life. Each day I wake up I have to remind myself why I'm here, no it's not easy but in the end this personal sacrifice will be worth it with all the people I'll be able to impact and the life I'll be able to provide for my children and wife. Don't lose sight of why you choose medicine or what motivates you to finish what you start, live with conviction and keep first things first. Don't lose your sense of self. Hope this encourages someone out there today!
