Matt's Reality

Not to make our marriage sound miserable, but Matt and I live in two different worlds. Not in a bad way, just a very different, sometimes unable to relate kind of way. It would take each of us being thrown into our separate worlds to fully understand each of our roles. Matt gets to do this on occasion when I go to mom's night out, take a break or run errands alone. Me, on the other hand, I never get a glimpse into his world. I have always imagined it stressful, demanding and a bit chaotic. I'm sure that doesn't quite explain what it is like to be an orthopedic surgery resident, but I do work in health care, have worked in large hospitals and have seen Gray's Anatomy (totally kidding!). Joking aside, I know I will never know what it is really like.

Then, there was yesterday evening. The kids and I ventured out for dinner with a friend and her kids at Frodo's Pizza to unfortunately come upon a car accident that had just happened while heading home. I came upon this mangled wreck while talking to Matt who was on call, was at the hospital, but finishing up and getting ready to head home if nothing else was going on. I told him to wait because a terrible accident had just happened and if they survived it would indeed be a trauma. He hung up and would soon call be back to say he was staying to care for the patient from this wreck that was on their way. It was then I realized the significance of his job. Along with other residents and an attending he was waiting to help this individual, which is what I told Dane when he asked if Daddy was coming home. I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed and wanted him to come home, but Matt has an ENORMOUS job and one that he is very good at. This wasn't about the prestige or money, but about stopping his own life to stay put and help someone heal and possibly survive. The entire family does have to sacrifice, as well, but that small moment made me more aware and more proud of my husband of what he has accomplished and what he does on a daily basis. Life of a surgeon and resident is his reality, and he balances that and being a husband and father with such grace.