and a time to plant…and keep planting and plant and plant and plant and plant

My grandfather came yesterday to visit.  My mother, my grandfather and I all love living things from plants to fish to dogs to children. My grandfather has an impressive garden at his little cottage by the sea. He grows orchids, all manner of vegetables, a full smattering of herbs and of course regular sorts of flowers. Every time I visit him, he takes me to the Elizabethan gardens on Roanoke Island and we wander amongst the trees and talk about roses and history and ferns. This past summer, I told my grandfather that I had a little patch of ground that I was thinking of planting bulbs in come November. He told me he would bring me some cuttings from his garden the next time he came West for business. I arrive home yesterday to find him shoveling the last bit of potting soil. I have a full herbal spread: basil, sage, oregano, chives and my favorite rosemary. I also have various Mums and the ground is now ready for bulb planting. It was one of the most delightful, thoughtful gifts I think I have received in a good while.

As I left Romania, I journaled about how I knew I had to come back to the States. I knew that all though I felt I have a clear vision on what I want, the time was not right. But that didn’t mean things won’t in motion. I have so much to learn about life and love and people and medicine before I settle into the “rest of my life.” There are seasons of our lives and each of them has its own flavor, its own joys and frustrations and sorrows.  Some of them are more exciting than others but all play an essential role in preparing for us for the next one. As much as I day dream and wish for the future, there is much to love about the now.

homesick?

ugh I am sitting in class and am suddenly overwhelmed by a desire to be not here. And its not that normal man I hate being back in school feeling. Its a claustrophobic feeling like my life has been planned for me without my consent. I also am dying to do anything that is not methodical. I would like to have a non-science conversation or at the very discuss rather than memorize lists and lists and lists and lists of facts.

As I sit here and listen to a lecture on Blood transfusions, I remember being an 11th grader sitting in the front row in my AP Bio class. I was so fascinated by antibodies and proteins and genes and drugs and bugs. And now it is old news, I wish I could somehow transmit that excitement and passion I had 7 years ago across time. Or better yet take all the energy I waste day dreaming and wishing I was elsewhere and channel it into academic productivity.

I wish someone would send a memo on what I am supposed to do with my life.

Offically uninsurable…well nearly

Its official, I am not covered under the Wake Med insurance policy. Congenital (that would be birth defect or genetic disease) diseases are NOT covered, period, end of story. The lady was very upfront.  There is a very small chance I will be able to stay on my parents’ policy due to a loophole but its very small. I called the Office of Student Services and explained the problem, they put me on hold and then sent me straight to the Dean something that NEVER happens. I explained to the Dean my story and he said he had no idea such was the case. He would get back to me, but he sounded as if he had swallowed something bitter. I then looked into individual policies….over a 1000 dollars a month. And the only reason they will even consider covering me is because I always had insurance.

over a 1000 dollars a month…….

The Dean said he would call me back.

Underserved Mutants

October 4th 2007…a big day in the life of the elf. I turn 23 and I go off my parents’ insurance. I went to the student services office today and picked up packet on the school’s policy. I read through the manual and the more I read, the more I realize that this policy was designed for white males who run marathons, are single and have never been sick a day in their lives. Then I come to the exclusions, limitations part which included something like 30 points. You can’t get birth control pills, can’t get physical therapy (in less you have been hospitalized), can’t get glasses, hearing aides and the big kicker…the policy doesn’t cover cogential conditions in less the person is an infant. Well holy heck.

I only go to the doctor for my freaking congenital condition. Do they think mutants just don’t live past infant-hood?  I was sitting in the eye doctors’ chair as I read this manual getting my annual retina check. And I realize yep not covered. Orthopedist…not covered in less I BREAK something. No yearly x-rays, no yearly check ups. No bone density tests. By the time I left I was mad, dilated (my eyes) and terrified. I called my parents and my mom swears she has proof that I have had insurance since I was in the womb. And that will be enough. Wake insurance guru sort of gave me a half blank stare, half shrug when I asked her about it. Well I don’t know we never had anyone in that situation.

by the way the policy does cover EtOH and Drug rehab….

Please explain to me why people who have made questionably wrong decisions that may have contributed to their health problem get coverage for their treatment yet my people who had no choice in our health problems don’t get treated.

ugh.

15 minutes of your life

15 minutes is the average time an American primary care physician spends with each patient. In the 2/3rds world where doctors are scare the average time is even less. In 15 minutes you can feed a child and they can actually savor their food. In 15 minutes you can wash your car. In 15 minutes you can bath a child even if they are covered in feces. In 15 minutes you can read the book of Philippians. In 15 minutes you can teach a child to make eye contact with another human being. In 15 minutes you can clean out your e-mail inbox. In 15 minutes you can sing a child to sleep. In 15 minutes you can cook dinner. In 15 minutes you can help a toddler take their first steps. In 15 minutes you can swim 10-20 laps. In 15 minutes you can give an infant a massage that can stimulate brain development. In 15 minutes you can clean your room. In 15 minutes you can teach a child to say your name. In 15 minutes you can land a airplane. In 15 minutes you can teach a child to sing a new song. In 15 minutes you can watch half a TV show. In 15 minutes you can make a child feel safe and secure just by holding their hand. In 15 minutes you can read a chapter of a book. And in 15 minutes, an ophthalmologist can correct primary congenital glaucoma and give a child sight.

Aurel (a Romanian child who I worked with this summer) has PCG too advanced now for surgery. And I cried for 15 minutes when I found out simple it is to correct. The procedure is available in Bucharest. The reason he didn’t get was because he was abandoned and there was no one to take him to the eye doctor.

15 minutes of your life, 15 minutes of your time, if you could do anything what you do?