Island Med Student

It’s official. I have completely lost all sense of time and space. Med school on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere will do that to you. Actually, I figured out the other day why I keep missing standard American holidays. It’s because there are no CVSs (pharmacies) in Dominica. I don’t watch television, and I didn’t when I was in the States, so my only real awareness of holidays was acquired from going into a CVS. Within seconds, I could tell what holiday was coming up, based on the decorations hanging from the ceiling: the hearts for valentines day, the stuffed bunnies on Easter, and the American flags on the fourth of July.

Today, as I walked past the only cafe in town, I heard one of my running buddies scream “happy America day!” I looked up, and he was having beers with his friends, and there was even an American flag hanging from the restaurant. I went up, had a diet cream soda, and listened to him talk with a George Bush accent for a while (very amusing). And then I went home to study for the crazy huge exam I have coming up in 5 days.

So, that was my fourth of July celebration! Man, am I wild one!

In other news, one of my most favorite bloggers, Dr. Charles, has apparently quit the blogosphere. It definitely won’t be the same place without him.

So, on this very special day of American celebration, fireworks, and drunken men with American flags painted on their bodies, I’d like to leave you with some words from Dr. Charles. Reading them sure did cheer me up, and I hope they’ll do the same for you.

Watch the swallows flying before sunset. Save the planet. Cook a meal with someone you love, and drink too much wine while you’re doing it. Please don’t vote for another Bush or Edwards. Support health care courts and malpractice reform. Bring your doctor a tomato from your garden, assuming you like him. Cancel your cable, buy a hammock, and get a library card. Use more basil. Beware of people selling unproven cures. Lie on your back and watch for shooting stars. Go to the beach in the off-season. Fight for justice. Fight for truth. Never take for granted the blessings of good health. Help those who are sick. And remember that you don’t need things to make you happy, and that life is a bittersweet flash of a firefly at night.