Grey’s Anatomy S5E21: Not Good At Saying Sorry

As doctors we can’t undo our mistakes, and we rarely forgive ourselves for them. But, it’s a hazard of the trade. But, as human beings we can always try to do better. To be better. To right a wrong. Even when it feels irreversible.

Of course, I’m sorry doesn’t always cut it. Maybe because we use it so many different ways. As a weapon. As an excuse.

But, when we are really sorry, when we use it right. When we mean it. When our actions say what words never can.

When we get it right “I’m sorry” is perfect. When we get it right, “I’m sorry” is redemption.

*http://www.greysanatomyinsider.com

Grey’s Anatomy S5E20: Sweet Surrender

Defeat isn’t an option, not for surgeons. We don’t back away from the table until the last breath’s long gone.  Terminal’s a challenge.  Life threatening’s what gets us up in the morning.

We’re not easily intimidated.  We don’t flinch.  We don’t back down and we certainly don’t surrender.  Not at work, anyway.

To do our jobs, we have to believe that defeat is not an option, that no matter how sick our patients get, there’s hope for them.  But even if our hope gives way to reality and we finally have to surrender the truth, it just means we’ve lost today’s battle… not tomorrow’s war.

Here’s the thing about surrender.  Once you do it, actually give in.  You forget why you’re fighting in the first place.

Grey’s Anatomy S5E17: I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Every surgeon I know has a shadow, a dark cloud, fear and doubt that follows even the best of us into the O.R.

We pretend the shadow isn’t there, hoping that if we save more lives, master harder techniques, run faster and farther, it’ll get tired and give up the chase.  But like they say, you can’t outrun your shadow.

Every surgeon has a shadow, and the only way to get rid of the shadow is to turn off the lights, to stop running from the darkness and face what you fear, head on.

Grey’s Anatomy S5E10: All By Myself

My mother called it the greatest and most terrifying moment in her life.  Standing at the head of the surgical table knowing that the patient’s life depends on you, and you alone.  It’s what we all dreamed about, because the first person that gets to fly solo in the O.R. is kind of a bad ass.

Grey’s Anatomy S5E9: In the Midnight Hour

When you’re little, night time is scary because there are monsters hiding right under the bed. When you get older, the monsters are different. Selfed-out. Loneliness. Regret. And though you may be older and wiser, you still find yourself afraid of the dark.

Sleep. It’s the easiest thing to do. You just… close your eyes. But for so many of us, sleep seems out of grasps. We want it, but, we don’t know how to get it.

But as we face our demons, face our fears and turn to each other for help, night time is not so scary because we realize… we are all alone in the dark.