Testing Times

Salam..

Another week has passed since my last entry.. In fact, over a week, anyway.. But, hey, who's keeping count?

Not much has happened over the last 10 days, but enough for me to scribble a word or two to fulfill my so-called resolution for consistency.. A call for interview, a week stepping up as team leader and a few trips around the Limerick ground..

Work, Work, Work

As usual, in fact, as any person in my line of work would probably agree, the bulk of our lives, and indeed, conversation revolve around work.. For me, this week has been quite interesting, in a different kind of way.. Two reason for sure, 1) the absence of my registrar for few days, and 2) what's next for me in my career calling..

I had planned to take a week off as my annual leave last week but due to unforeseen circumstances, albeit not from my part, I had to postpone it to this week.. But no harm done for me, anyways.. What's interesting is the 'turbulent' during the week.. My registrar was away on Tuesday for his interview in Cork, my boss was away on Tuesday handling an interview in Dublin, and again both of them were away on Friday for a conference in Galway.. That meant that I was in charge of the dock on Tuesday and Friday.. Furthermore, we were on-take that Monday night, which also meant that, if I had to handle the post-call ward round alone - it would be either disastrous or a complete calamity.. Each way, I was screwed! Luckily, things were under control.. Phew!

I got called for an interview for an A&E job for coming July.. So bold of me that that was the only job I applied for! Should I not get the job, I will be forced to 'change' my career to a house-hubby.. I should be able to make a strong case for my liking of trauma and acute medicine by proving that this is the only job I applied for, plus the off-the-record chats with the bosses down in the department.. Hopefully, I am making the right choice by taking this road.. May Allah guide me to be the best I can be..

Seeing Difficulties

The last few months, I learned that what I am facing now is not as hard as what some others are facing daily.. I now realize how hard it is to juggle between study and work and rearing a family.. But realizing is not the same as living it..

A very nice couple who are both good friends of mine and Ina stayed with us over the last two months.. Adding to the joy to our house was their little boy.. Of course, it was Ina who looked after the boy when all of us were in hospital..

The joy in their faces every single time they held their boy was indescribable.. In fact, even I enjoy snuggling the chubby kid.. But, with that I also saw how difficult it was for them (and, I assume, every other young family) to juggle between the chores of daily life.. I wonder if I would be able to step up like they do? It gave me great pleasure that them staying at our place also meant that Allah had given me and Ina some opportunity to lighten the hardship they were facing, even if not much..

People say 'learn from your experience'.. I beg to extend.. I believe we learn more from our own and other people's experience, and the only way to learn is by seeing, listening and, if you are really lucky, sharing that experience.. Indeed, these are testing times for any family.. But I always remember and will always remind others around me that Allah has given us so much that it is only fair for us that He would give some hardship and difficulties for us to face, only to strengthen our faith and belief in Him..

Some day, when my turn comes to be tested, I hope Ina and I will be as strong as our friends.. The courage they have showed us and the patience they have portrayed are second to none..

Salam..