Family and Friends

Abstract

Most nonmedical people haven’t the vaguest idea exactly what you do at the hospital. You bring home a lot of juicy stories, you are tired and irritable, but family and friends are unaware of the intricacies of your job and the huge commitment you have undertaken. You are seeing many things that few are privy to. Perhaps you are more peaceful with yourself. Life seems to hold a different meaning. It is impossible to be around sickness and disease all day, and not be changed in many ways. People notice the conversion that you are going through, but they don’t quite understand it. It certainly would not be a bad idea to permit those closest to you (spouse, significant other, mother, etc.) to read this book as an aid to appreciating what you are going through, to understanding your commitment both in time and energy, and to help them comprehend your possible mood swings.

Happiness is having a large, loving, close-knit family in another city.

—George Burns (1896–1996)