A shock to the system

So we are half-way through the much anticipated and dreaded Shock Trauma rotation. As expected, it is not a lot of fun, but we are making it. Carl is "on-call" (meaning definitely working) every third night, which in essence means that he works for 30-hours straight every third day. In the two weeks of this rotation, he gets one day off (no weekends off). Thank goodness that this rotation does not last that long; knowing that is about all that gets us through this time. I am extremely thankful that Carl is not considering any sub-specialties in medicine that would require this kind of schedule. I'm not sure how families cope with this schedule long-term. (As a side-note, there is a show on Discovery Health that follows the Shock Trauma in Baltimore where Carl works called The Critical Hour: Shock Trauma. Warning: Not for the faint of heart!)

I am thankful that Carl's mom, grandmother, and sister are visiting this week. Unfortunately for our families, we are not able to have "guests" right now. Anyone who comes to visit has to be help for us to make it through, and we are forever grateful for it. I've said it before, but it truly can't be said enough, that there is nothing like having family around to help you out!

Anyhow, we are close to being done with this semester, and we are both thankful. We are looking forward to a wonderful (and relaxing) holiday break in St. Louis. When we return, Carl will begin the second half of the third year of medical school, which will include rotations in OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine...should be interesting!