At the start of my life, I was everyone's little princess. I had the good fortune to be the first grandchild in both my Mom and Dad families. I was the apple of their eyes. Unlike a lot of children today, when I was born I had all four grandparents along with four great-grandparents. I knew who I was named for and why. I spent nearly weekend with first my Dad's Parents, then on Sunday I would go home with my Mom's parents. I even lived with my Mom's parents for four years while my Dad finished vet school.
One of my fondest memories of this time in my life is my memories of my Pa Doc (my Dad's father) stopping work at his busy vet office nearly every Saturday... No matter how many people and pets were needing him, unless they were critical, to take me to the Blue Circle to get a grill cheese sandwich and a chocolate donut. I also got treats like being able to order an entire adult salad just so I could eat crouton's and thousand island,or just eat hot fudge cake for lunch.
Then, I grew as we all do, and became (at least it felt that way at the time) quite the little Cinderella. My beloved Pa Doc died from cancer. My family ran three to four businesses at a time. I learned how to run a video store, a motel, a pet store, and raised exotic parrots. In addition, at this point in my life my Mother became critically Ill with systemic lupus errythematosis. She went from a go getter, never stopping nurse to an invalid overnight. I can remember sleeping on the floor in our living room just to be able to help her to and from the bathroom. That time was spent in turmoil cause no boy seemed to like me and fear that my Mom would die. Fear became my constant companion. My teen years finished up when I found my parents had never put any money away for college and with the death my Mom's mom to the same cancer that I lost my grandfather too.
So, now off to college, and I did go. A scholarship, federal work study, and part time jobs sent me through. I was in such a hurry to grow up and move on that I never seemed to have time to stop and smell the roses. I was a lot ruder and quick tempered than I am now, and as I remember it I had people skills to rival Temperance Brennan. I managed to get a biochem degree, EMT license, and a wonderful husband from Tennessee Tech.
Next, thing I knew, Brian and I were married and off to medical school. I was fortunate again in finding an excellent school and great friends. And at this time I worked on wearing the hats of student and wife. Learning more and more about life and myself as I went along.
Time passes and now I wear my favorite hat/title - mom. As, my family and I prepare to celebrate Mother's day for myself, my Mom (yes, despite severe illness and many complications, she is still here), my mother-in-law, and some very special aunts, I have grown up enough to finally realize that no matter how many titles, honors, and accolades I achieve in my work they are nothing in comparison to the sound of three little voices saying "I love you Mom".
I am blessed by many things in life. I have a great practice with wonderful patients. I work in a great office with amazing staff. I never want for food or shelter. I am earning new relationships in my medical communities. I get to provide medical care for a community for that has known and cared for me since my Princess days.
But, I am proud that nothing has ever come close to the honor I feel over my children's love. I am also thrilled to have so many special women to spend a special day with.
May you take time to reflect on your own joys and blessings, and may you all have a blessed Mother's Day.
Samantha Easterly McLerran, MD FAAFP
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:McGee St,Kansas City,United States
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