Friends....

T minus 2 hours and 20 minutes and counting...
I can't believe that this part of the journey is actually coming to an end. It comes with a very bittersweet feeling. The bond formed by people under the rigors of medical school is not one that is easily broken, especially when the class is splitting to 27 states. Realistically, after today there are probably only 2-4 people that I will ever see in any meaningful way again. I am the world's worst when it comes to long distance friendships, moreso now that I have a full family of 4 to spend time with in my rare off time. No more road trips for me.
I want to use this space today to say goodbye to a couple of very special people from class. Their pics are below.

Jason- you are a friend that is different than any I have had in my life. You are, in a word, good. You bring out the best in those around you, believe it or not, even me. When life's pressures start to close in, you are strong enough to fall back on your faith, and those who love you. You are going to be an amazing surgeon, because I know that you will not let the stresses of the job you have chosen change your inner self. You will have devoted friends, colleagues and patients. You helped me with some tough times during school, and I will never forget the quiet support that you provided. (Great, now I'm starting to cry...) Though we will be 2000 miles away, we will stay tight, because I cannot imagine going through the upcoming years without my buddy. Thank you.

Erica- my study buddy from way back in first year. You have also seen me through some good and bad times, and often had insights into situations that seemed far more mature that your years. With you, I have always felt that I had someone that I could unburden myself on whenever I needed, and I will always be grateful for that. You are a beautiful person, inside and out, no matter how many damn times you changed your hair. Through you I have made a new friend and golf buddy in Michael. I am glad you chose him, because I know that he will love you and treat you the way you deserve to be treated. I am fortunate that we will only be a few hours by car away from each other, so I hope to actually stay in social contact with you all as our schedules allow. Thanks for being my friend. I don't know how I would have made it through without you.

Well, enough sad stuff. For now, It's time to party hard, and enjoy the new letters at the end of our names. It's now T-minus 1 hour and 55 minutes and counting...