31 January 2008

31 JAN 2008 Back again

31 JAN 2008 Back again

Just got word from one of my bros that he has arrived safely at Balad. The duty has passed to him and his crew, and I'm sure that they will give the troops the finest surgical care anywhere in the world. It feels a little strange because we were on the surgical team together in 2005. After four months working at the hospital in Balad day after day, I began to get the erroneous impression that the place would fall over if I wasn't there to help. But the medical corps is bigger than this one little troop and I know that it will carry on just fine.

Tomorrow I head back to work at my hospital in Texas. Reconstitution time has gone by so quickly and I could use more and more! Most of all I have loved spending every day with M., eating, shopping, or just hanging out together at home. I already know that there is a toddler waiting for me in the intensive care unit who may need surgery. I have to complete the shift from combat support surgeon to pediatric surgeon because there will be babies depending on me. All I can promise is that I will try.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris, Your skills and compassion will be needed just as much over here. There's nothing more scary than having a sick child.

Anonymous said...

You are just sooooooooooo awesome!! You will continue making an important difference no matter WHERE you are! ; )

Anonymous said...

You are so important to us here also.

Good luck and try to post as time will allow you. You have no idea how I enjoy hearing from you.

God bless you Chris for your service in Balad, and now here in the states.

Jen said...

Good luck going back to work at the hospital- your patients are lucky to have you!

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 02/01/2008 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.

Anonymous said...

Getting word from my son and daughter in law that they are VERY busy there; which as you know all too well, is a very good thing and a very bad thing. They are learning quickly to ask “Is this good for the company?”. As you told me; quite the amazing team there. Keep praying, watching, and working!

Chris said...

Mary Ann, Laurel, Lainy, Jen, David, and Charles,

I appreciated the kind compliments. I'm sure the crew back at Balad is up to the task! I hope they get some lulls from time to time to take a break or work out. Things went smoothly today, even though i didn't find my beeper! (no big loss!) I already have three operations scheduled. It was like the pediatricians were waiting for me and pounced!

CC