I hope this finds you well. It has been long since we talked, about thirty days I guess. This means that we are thirty days closer to our graves and thirty days closer to our dreams. Dad, a lot has changed since then. I am a week old in the medical school and I am very excited that I chose this noble path of Hippocrates. Seven years from now I will be a health care provider. How does it sound?
As I look around me, all I see is inspirations; from the rising sun, whistling breeze and the arts and beauty around me. Dad, when I see successful surgeons and physicians who came before me, I feel inspired and at the same time I am humbled by the limitations of my knowledge. I remember you told me that wisdom comes from accepting the fact that we do not know and we begin learning, one step at a time. From learning and practicing, we get the experience.
Dad, I do believe that you would have been a physician had you found the opportunity back in the seasons of your youth. Though time has passed and things have changed I believe that you are a physician, not a medical doctor or something, but a physician of knowledge. Your words have kept me moving through uncertainties with faith, love, courage and hope.
Dad, let me tell you this, far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations; I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow them where they lead. Dreaming of becoming a doctor is even thrilling than being the doctor. I know you are now smiling with hope and calmness. Where could you be at this time? I guess it is at our favorite spot, a place where only one tree bears witness to your words, the Mugumo tree.
Dad, I have reached that point in time, I have to make my own decisions, manage my own freedom and take care of myself. Trust me; it is sometimes difficult having been brought up near you and mum. I remember mum was always there to repair my feelings and dry my tears. It is a bit different here dad, it is me and my dreams against the world. The world never cares, it is so cruel. I built my own small world; I took Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology with me. I hope I will make it through the tough times that are yet to come.
Even with advanced age, you always have something to look up to, something like a dream. That is where my relationship with dreams comes, from my father’s eyes, a fountain from which springs out hope and sometimes even doubt. Dad, allow me to pen off at this point in time, let me look at what Gray has for me in Anatomy. We shall still talk, both in person and in spirit.
With great love,
Kiaye Oliver, MBChB.
The Doctor On Call 