A great weekend

A post I wrote during my last weeks in Anchorage... from a weekend on the Kenai River.

Friday: My doc has come to trust me quite a bit in the OR. I think that bodes well for my hopeful future as a surgeon, but regardless, Friday morning found me holding the scalpel over two patients: one, a young woman with questionable health, the other, an infant who had yet to see the light of day. I cannot describe the sensation of the moment, but it intertwined the weight of responsibility afforded by breaching the natural surfaces of the human body with the light-hearted elation of being the first to experience fresh, new life. Some element of self-preservation resonated as well, akin to the feeling of clinging to a rock wall high above the ground with only my fingers and toes as purchase, although my life was not the one at stake. Upon throwing the last stitch, the tension resolved and I was left with a great sense of satisfaction and, admittedly, relief.

Later in the day found me working with laparoscopic instruments in the recesses of another patient, shaky, yet excited to be operating. Surgeries I may never perform even as a general surgeon, but within my grasp thanks to a trusting, confident and gracious physician.

Later still in the day found me at a charity walk and let me highlight to you the joy afforded by finding that your delicious chili has STEAK PIECES in it. And that your entry ticket also buys you unlimited chocolate-covered strawberries, cotton candy, sno cones, corn fritters and fabulous prizes. Top that off with downtown statue-climbing utilizing the jump-lock-pull method to ascend said statue and hanging out on the sun, watching the sunset followed by a top-floor oceanside deck hangout to watch the sunset AGAIN and you have the right combination for a fantastic Friday.

Saturday: 70 degrees. Drift boats floating down the upper Kenai River with my dad and a buddy. Moose roast sandwiches for lunch on a gravel bar and a long nap reclined on a log in the sunshine. A puppy finding satisfaction in a prize fishhead. A brown bear frolicking on the shore not 30 feet away. Revisiting a place of youthful memories and sitting on a mountainside with the Lord. A welcome reception at home with food only a mother could make. Walking on the beach and then finally resting peacefully.

Sunday: You can't beat waking up to homemade blueberry muffins made with berries you picked on a venture into the wild in search of a bull moose. Unless maybe you count spending time with your sister and nephews and parents and worshipping with numerous friends and church family. Then again, there's a lot to be said for a relaxing afternoon catching up on school work on a comfortable couch. The drive home was beautiful.

The weekend was beautiful.