Thursday, August 4, 2011

On Perseverance and Proud Parents


Tomorrow evening, my husband and I intend to be seated in Southern California with 103 other sets of proud parents, happily attending the white coat ceremony that marks our youngest son's entry into medical school.

Apparently, the occasion is steeped in tradition, and each entering student will be welcomed and given a white coat with his or her name on it. The coat is tangible evidence that these young people have earned the right to spend the next few years of their lives becoming doctors. Later, they will recite words derived from the hippocratic oath, affirming their dedication and willingness to serve humanity in the best way they know how.

Todd will serve his future patients well, and I am proud of his perseverance. Getting to that white coat ceremony has not been an easy road, by any stretch of the imagination.

The fact that he's made it happen stretches MY imagination.

Congratulations, Todd!

And thanks for the inspiration.

=)

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48 comments:

  1. Mormon Women: Who We AreAugust 4, 2011 at 2:24 AM

    I'm hoping you can find a song about white coats somewhere. ;) Congrats to all. This is an exciting time.

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  2. People Who Know Me Would Say:August 4, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    Have your feet touched the ground yet??

    Congratulations, Todd!

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  3. C. J. SmithAugust 4, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    Congratulations to you and your son! You must be so proud! :)

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  4. LynnAugust 4, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    Congrats to both of you, what an amazing accomplishment:@)

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  5. StacyAugust 4, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Exciting! Congrats.

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  6. Jocelyn ChristensenAugust 4, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    There is a white coat song...the one that says "they're coming to take me away..ha ha...heee hee...they're coming to take me away!"

    Congrats!

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  7. PondsideAugust 4, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    What a wonderful moment it will be. Your son will need lots of loving support over the years of training, so it's lovely that you can be there, for him to look out and see, at the outset.

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  8. larainydaysAugust 4, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    I hear white coats lead to sleepless nights. Buckle up and hunker down!

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  9. Susan AndersonAugust 4, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Had to laugh out loud at Jocelyn's comment. That used to be one of my sister's favorite songs. And I have a feeling Todd will feel like singing it now and again in the crazy months and years of hard work ahead!

    ;)

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  10. NancyAugust 4, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Once again..... you're "babies" make you proud!! I am so happy for Todd, especially knowing the effort it took him. Congratulations to Todd, you and Dave and may you and the rest of the family enjoy tomorrow. I will be thinking of you!!!!!!!!

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  11. AnonymousAugust 4, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Yahoo! You should be proud.
    Thanks for stopping by today...do come again.

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  12. AnonymousAugust 4, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    Three great "P" words!
    ~Jo

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  13. Barbara F.August 4, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Thanks for your visit. Congratulations, proud mama. xo

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  14. AmandaAugust 4, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    How wonderful. Congratulations, Todd! :)

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  15. AnonymousAugust 4, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Wow, what an accomplishment and the start of a long but fulfilling journey. Good luck to your son!!

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  16. storybeaderAugust 4, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    congrats. to Todd and proud parents! What a long haul! {:-D

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  17. anitamombanitaAugust 4, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    congrats to all of you! What an exciting moment that will be!

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  18. Robert BraultAugust 4, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    Sue, I want to extend congratulations to Todd, tempered just a wee bit by my knowing of the advantage he has had in life being your son. (smile) My heartfelt best wishes for Todd's success. rb

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  19. Barbara RosenzweigAugust 4, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Congratulation!! A wonderful milestone.

    Yes, I do love my hydrangeas, too.

    I'm your new follower. I hope that you will follow me, too.
    Barb

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  20. My name is RietAugust 4, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Congratulations to you and your son. You must be so proud of him.

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  21. The PoetAugust 4, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    What proud parents you must be.

    Congratulations to you, Todd & the rest of the family.

    Thanks for sharing and for the visit too. Much appreciated.

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  22. Grandma HoneyAugust 4, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I have 2 close friends whose sons have gone through this very thing and both are residents now, and both are engaged to be married a day apart next month. I've enjoyed updates through the years through them. And I'm looking forward to yours too!

    What a special day this white coat ceremony must be!

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  23. DarleneAugust 4, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I am so thrilled that I am going to be there right along with you. I'm so grateful that he invited me. See you soon!

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  24. yayaAugust 4, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    I'm so happy for Todd and you! What a great moment..it's blog worthy for sure! My Daughter-in-laws cousin just started his residency in Dayton, OH...I couldn't believe how fast his med school stint went. I know to him it probably didn't seem so fast, but he did great and so will Todd!

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  25. Karen MortensenAugust 4, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Congratulations. What an awesome time for him and your family.

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  26. AmesAugust 4, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    This is just wonderful and very touching Sue! Congrats to your son!~Ames

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  27. ellen b.August 4, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    That's a huge accomplishment! Congrats to all of you and may all his studies and residencies and practice go very well!

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  28. MomzaAugust 4, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Not many things that can top our joy in our children's accomplishments...sweetest moments ever. Congratulations to you all!

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  29. Brian MillerAugust 4, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    woot! congrats todd and to two wonderful parents for raising such a son...smiles.

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  30. CBAugust 4, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Congratulations to Todd on his wonderful accomplishment and to his parents who helped to make it all possible and can now bask in the wonder!!

    Your buttons have to be busting!!!

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  31. To the Toy Box and BeyondAugust 4, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    How awesome You must be one proud mama Thanks for sharing

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  32. KiddothingsAugust 4, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    I can imagine you beaming with pride - and you have every reason to. COngrats to both you and your son for such an achievement!!

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  33. CarolineAugust 5, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    Congratulations, Todd!!

    What a service to humanity, indeed! Yayy, for Todd and congratulations to you all! :)

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  34. Coralie Cederna JohnsonAugust 5, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Congratulations! Such wonderful accomplishments to cherish! Enjoy!
    Big Hugs,
    Coralie

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  35. Grandma Yellow HairAugust 5, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Ah Sue Congradulations to all of you for such an accomplishment
    I know that you are so overwhelmed with happiness and pride as you watch this ceremony this weekend.
    God has chosen a very remarkable young man to take care of all in need of his care
    Enjoy this time and sending you much love from Texas
    Maggie

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  36. GattinaAugust 5, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Wow ! you have all reasons of the world to be proud ! Congratulations !!

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  37. FranciscaAugust 5, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Fabulous P Post, Sue! Congratulations to proud parents and persevering son!

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  38. moondustwriterAugust 5, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    congratulations - now that is something worthy of an ovation!!!

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  39. 4 Lettre WordsAugust 5, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Sooo awesome, Sue! Hope it's a wonderful night for all of you!

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  40. ~✽Mumsy✽~August 6, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    Congratulation to Todd, and to you all. I truly believe that to get to the white coat wasn't easy. What an accomplishment.

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  41. JennyAugust 6, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Oh hooray, hooray! Couldn't happen to a more wonderful family!

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  42. ConnieAugust 6, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    What an accomplishment. You deserve to be proud of your son.

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  43. Vicki/JakeAugust 6, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Way late getting here this week. By now you've been to this awesome ceremony, and how very Proud you are...:) It will be interesting to see how he progresses in this journey. Keep smiling Sue:)

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  44. karenAugust 7, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    How was the ceremony? I can't wait to hear all about it. I feel like I've been gone forever! Big congratulations to Todd and to you, his most supportive family! I expect to hear great things.

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  45. UnknownAugust 7, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    Aww, Congratulations Todd and to you and your husband! You two have raised a fine young man and he will go on to help so many people in his profession. I would be proud too :)

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  46. Joy For Your JourneyAugust 7, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Congratulations!! So exciting. I know it has been a long road. How nice to have finally arrived at this point.

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  47. AnonymousAugust 7, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Congratulations to you and Todd! What a momentous occasion. Your heart must be singing!

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  48. AmyAugust 16, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    I have to say, when I talk about my brother the doctor, it is always with such pride, and I know it will be the same for you with Todd. What a great time for you and him!

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