The Little Things

“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.”

-Maya Angelou

 

Every job, vocation, profession, and calling has its challenges, headaches, and days that make one wonder what they were thinking when they pursued the career path in question. Pediatrics is no exception. But among the occasional frustrations, there is much for which to be grateful:

·         Finding the perfect sticker for the child who loves trains or kittens or Paw Patrol

·         Celebrating with the big, but scared teenager after he was able to receive his shots without incident

·         The intellectual satisfaction of a diagnosis made and effective treatment given, especially if the condition is a bit obscure

·         Hugs from children in the office hallway, grocery store, or post office

·         Seeing the child of a former patient and reminiscing with the (now) mother and grandmother about something that happened twenty years ago

·         Babies who smile and coo at you or determinedly try to grab your stethoscope

·         A child who is comfortable enough to tell you what is bothering her

·         Being able to reassure a worried parent

·         The fact that some diseases which were common when I started in practice have all but disappeared.

·         Discussing books, drama, baseball games, and fishing spots with patients

·         The child who says “Siri, where is Dr. Sauder?” while waiting in the exam room

·         A parent or grandparent telling a story of an event you shared that had a lasting impact

·         Connecting with a child with gestures and stickers when you don’t speak the same language

·         The satisfaction of popping a dislocated elbow back into place or retrieving a bead or rock from a nose or an ear

·         Discussing an interesting case with colleagues

·         Congratulating a patient who has made a healthy lifestyle change

·         Hearing that a patient uses their doctor kit at home to pretend to be me

·         Seeing someone walking down the street who you know could have easily died in the past

·         Dedicated parents, grandparents, foster parents, and others who do their best to help children with difficult medical and psychosocial needs

·         The moment a patient realizes my wife is his math teacher or the former student of hers who asks “So how’s Mrs. Sauder doing?”

For these reasons and many other things, I am thankful to be able to do what I do. Thank you for letting us (me) participate in the care of your children.