Brazos Bend

Classes were canceled on Thursday. On Friday I had class, histology lab (pancreas and salivary glands), and my elective Compassion and the Art of Medicine. This week's speaker was Amy Kuebelbeck, author of the heart-wrenching memoir Waiting with Gabriel. After reading her book earlier this week, I was really looking forward to her talk about choosing 'comfort care' for her son with hyperplastic left heart syndrome. Mrs. Kuebelbeck carried her baby to term after learning of his fatal heart condition at 24 weeks gestation. In the book she discusses what it was like being pregnant with a baby for three and a half months while simultaneously preparing for his birth and funeral. During her presentation, she shared pictures of her pregnancy, her son during his short 2.5-hour life, and her actions taken after Gabriel's death. Very moving and very sad.

My study group decided to go on an adventure this weekend. We set off to go camping on Friday afternoon in celebration of Joseph's birthday. We went to Brazos Bend (just an hour away) and set up camp. Unfortunately, 'camping' anywhere near Houston means setting up a tent next to a parking lot full of motor homes. Nonetheless, we got our fill of nature by taking an extended 'hike' (really just a walk on a path without any elevation change).

Though all of the signs and brochures promised that we would run into alligators at every turn, I didn't see one during our 20 hours in the wilderness. I did, however, see several raccoons including a few eating our shish kabobs and marshmallows. Greedy little suckers- Sheesh!

After a delicious BBQ dinner, s'mores, and German chocolate birthday cake, we sat around the campfire and played some games. It's amazing how much people can learn about each other and bond when not surrounded by textbooks.

On Saturday morning, we packed up and went for another hike/walk before heading back to Houston. It was so nice to get some fresh air, exercise, and relax! Today (Sunday) involved lots of studying including more time with the study group but purely professional this time. :) I'm really excited for the three-day week and even more excited for Thanksgiving in Florida with Sarah and Paul!