Memphis

Lately, at the hospital, I've been asked, "where are you going for radiology?" And when I answer Memphis, I've gotten the same response every single time: "oh, are you from Memphis?" Do I have to be from Memphis to want to do residency there?

It's getting on my nerves for several reasons. Memphis is far away and it's a strange city with a high crime rate that I'm taking my baby to, away from her loving grandparents and our friends. I only know a couple of people there and I've never spent more than a few hours outside of the hospital. YES, that is all very intimidating. I don't need to be reminded of that every time someone asks me about my residency, and I know that's what they are thinking when they ask me if I'm from there. Also, most people have never even been to Memphis and they are going by what they have heard. They don't stop to ask me what hospital, what section of Memphis, or WHY I chose that program. They may even assume that it was not my first choice of residencies.

If they did ask me Why, here is the answer. I didn't want to interview there, because I, too, thought it would be a terrible place to live. I interviewed there because they were the first program who offered me an interview and I bought the plane ticket immediately. After a few hours into the interview, I was 90% sure that this was the program for me. I loved the people and the area very much. I truly felt God was telling me "this is it." I even called Wes while I was on a break and said "I love it! What do you think about moving to Memphis?" He said, "Sure!" I kept in touch with some residents, flew up there for a second look a few months later, and I just knew. And btw, its in a beautiful section of Memphis.

There are days when I still doubt my decision, mainly because I'm terrified to be so far away from our family and friends. What if something happens? We can't just get in our car and drive home. And, everyone is going to miss Annabel so much. Who will help us up there? I've lost more than a few hours of sleep worrying about it. But you know what? God is so good. He called me to this place and this program. He loves me enough to have a plan for my life that is bigger and better than anything I could plan. Early on, I was sure I would end up at UNC... it made so much sense, was so close to Spartanburg. But Memphis is where we belong. I don't know why yet, but I'm excited to find out. I hope you will be excited with me.