September 1, 2011

Book Recommendation

Even though I haven't finished this book, I wanted to recommend it. "Prescription for the Doctor's Wife" by Debby Read has been SUCH an encouragement to me. My husband is an MS2 and I am the stay-at-home mom of our an almost 3-year-old daughter and almost 1-year-old son, so it is often lonely, difficult, and exhausting doing most of the day to day parenting (as well as the household stuff) on my own. I really appreciate Debby's candidness, having been there and really understanding in a way that only those who have been there truly can, without giving in to the strong desire to feel sorry for oneself.

As I said, I've not finished the book yet, but I just couldn't wait to recommend it to you all who are in the same boat. I've been reading (and re-reading) a few pages at night almost like a devotional. I'll just leave you with only one of the few points that have really stuck with me... I am accountable only to God for my actions, independent of my circumstances. This is just what I need to hear, because well-meaning friends and family often tend to feel sorry for me in our current stage in life. Although in the world's view, I would be justified in being mad or resentful toward my husband for the long hours of thankless work that I put in when say he is up late watching youtube videos after studying instead of spending quality time with me :), but God asks me to be joyful in ALL situations. It is wonderful reminder when I am trying to teach our children to be joyful in all things (even when someone doesn't share with them etc.), but it is hard for me to live out personally. I know they are watching and it is ultimately for my Father that I am laboring for when I serve my husband and children and He is the supplier of my strength and grace for the day.

I don't think you can get this book on Amazon or an e-reader, but the author does have a website. Let me know if you end up enjoying reading or have read this book as well.

5 comments:

Ashli said...

Thank you for the book recommendation, it has been hard to find books about this subject! I look forward to hearing her perspective.

But also... As difficult as it can be sometimes to play the "supporting" role, the ultimate reason we are in this situation is that #1. We chose to be. #2. The reason we experience loneliness, stress, brunt of the housework, debt, etc. is because.... Our husbands are in medical school. It's not like they are disabled, lazy bums who don't want to work or who don't want to see us or don't want to share the housework load, or that they don't care about us. It's par for the course that there are some sacrifices that all of us must make (they miss seeing us and miss moments with the children too!) And ok, maybe they goof off instead of spending quality time when they do have a few moments to decompress, but it's not because they don't love us or that they don't care. It's that everyone needs to release from tension solo every now and again. For me, it's scanning Piperlime for an hour. ;)

This whole process is a means to an end. Is it hard? Yes. But in the grand scheme of things, we are not in poverty, we are literate, we have food and shelter, most of us are hopefully God willing healthy, capable, and able. Having a husband in medical school is a good problem to have ;)

Deidre said...

What a great philosophy.

Ashli said...

<3 Thank you Deidre <3 xoxoo

Bre said...

Thank you for the book recommendation. My husband is also in his second year and I can definitely relate to your frustrations. Although, I can't imagine doing this with two little ones as well. I will thank you for all your hard work! That is truly amazing.

I will definitely have to check out this book!

essay best said...

Thank you for taking time out to post this and share this with us. The books sounds really interesting and you have successfully sparked my interest in it. Thanks !!