The Life of a Resident's Wife

I've never been one to complain about by husband's work hours, and I won't start now.  However, tonight I will reflect on the things that I have come to know as "normal" that others would, in my opinion, find difficult.  When I left work at 4:30 pm today, I called my husband, knowing he was on call for the night, to let him know I was leaving the hospital and to wish him a good night...call me later, right?  Well, his phone was answered by a nurse in the operating room (OR), "Dr. Gaspard's phone."  I replied...."Oh, its just his wife, no big deal, just let him know I called."  So I go on about my night as I usually do until bedtime rolls around.  At 11:15 pm I decided to call again prior to going to bed (or posting/ranting on my blog).  A nurse (possibly the same nurse) answered the phone, "Dr. Gaspard's phone."  I said, "This is his wife...I guess he is still in the OR."  The nurse then told my husband that I was on the phone, to which my husband replied, "what's going on?"  I told the nurse that nothing was going on, I only wanted to say goodnight before I went to bed.  We hung up and I was then inspired to write this blog.  Don't get me wrong, I know that what my husband is doing is important and I would in no way want to take away from what he is doing to help someone else; however, I think that it is hard to sometimes to want to talk to your spouse and not be able to, especially at night.  I am used to this situation, but, it is harder at some times than at others.  On this particular day, I have a lot of things I would like to share with him, that will obviously have to wait until tomorrow.  And when my husband gets home tomorrow, he will be so tired, he will hardly be able to keep his eyes open long enough to listen to me talk about my days that have passed since I last talked to him.  By the way, I have not spoken to Bryan since 6:00 am this morning when he kissed me goodbye.  Anyway, I post this, not to complain, but rather to make the point that residency is not a burden felt by only those who physically go through it, but rather felt by all directly impacted by the residency, namely a spouse and children (we don't have any yet, but our dogs feel his absence!).  I know that residency is the price we pay for our spouses to fulfill their dreams of practicing medicine; however, it is not an easy price to pay at times.  It is a price we are MORE THAN GLAD to pay because we love them.  I firmly support my husband in his residency and career choice.  I just sometimes wish that it would all pass quicker, or become easier, or not feel so darn lonely at times!  Anyway....I think I just got a big AMEN from some of my friends!!  I am going to go to bed now (alone) and tomorrow will feel different because Bryan will be home early, post-call and tired, but early none the less and he will be mine once again!!  I dedicate this post to all the wives out there who have been there!!  Love you all!