13 to 14 (Part 1 - People I'll never forget)

So 2013 has gone by in a blink of an eye. It has been a busy year full of ups and downs, being my first year back in Singapore after 5 long years.

New job, new year, new friends, new bosses, new environments, you name it.

There are a few people I want to thank:

1. My parents
    Thanks for always being so supportive in almost everything I do. I know I'm not easy to live with and not the easiest person to get along with especially when I'm tired/precall/postcall/hungry (which means pretty much half of every week). Thanks for sending me to work when I'm on call, offering to bring food for me, packing my on call supplies etc. Really appreciate it ++!

2. My brother
    You're the craziest, bestest, loveliest brother anyone can ask for! You're growing up too quickly so please don't lose your craziness! Despite what I always say, you're definitely smarter and more hardworking than me! I'm so glad we're in this together (although you're wondering why did you do medicine after looking at my life). Life without you would be so boring without your nonsense and listening to your crap after work just makes my shitty day that much better!

3. J Ong
    You're even crazier than my brother! But all thanks to your craziness + the others, you made my transition to Singapore that much more bearable - you guys actually made it enjoyable! Thank you so much for always being that listening ear and encouraging me whenever I want to give up! Your constant reminder of how awesome I am really keeps me going whenever I just want to smash my phone. Your generosity and efficiency in everything you do still continues to amaze me.

4. Teh SF
    You're the sister I never had! The amount of effort you guys put in to help in all sorts of ways was beyond my imagination. Even though things didn't work out the way you all wanted (LOL) but still really appreciate your thoughts and effort! Korea with you was fantastic! I think you realised that I probably shop more than you (but they're so cheap! unlike your -ahem-). Hope you get into Fam Med!! Then you can join Jong in his fam med master plan.

5. R
    Scariest boss I had! I remember seeing your name appear on my phone once on call and I picked it up stat, knowing that something serious has happened. First time I sprinted down from level 7 to 4 so quickly. But after getting to know you better, you're actually very reasonable, albeit with high expectations. I'm sorry for the things I've done that pissed you off, but don't be so xiao qi too!

6. Tan BH
    Mr Tan, you were the most stubborn patient I had! Everyday was a struggle with you. But I always wondered if you knew how critical your condition was. As I watched you wither away in the hospital bed, it was heart breaking. I remember talking to your sister about bringing you home the day before you died - she knew it wouldn't be long. She had tears in her eyes and I felt hopeless as she related how the medical system in Singapore is unable to help foreigners financially. I still think it was ridiculous that we were still thinking of doing the operation for you despite your poor pre-morbid. False hope I say. I hope you're in a better place now. Next time don't forget where you left your passport alright? Too much trouble dealing with the police!

7. S Shariff
    I'll never forget your lovely smile, caring words and optimism despite your condition. I still remember the first time I met you, it was after you developed an allergic reaction to FFP. You were itchy all over but thank god that was about it. You came back in a few times subsequently for sepsis and I saw the love between your husband and yourself. I am truly honoured to have been able to meet you both, as well as your sons. I forgot how sick you were until I heard you were readmitted again in Sept for confusion. I snuck upstairs to visit you, and while sitting by your bedside, you couldn't recognise me anymore and kept saying you want to change wards/bed. My heart broke into a thousand pieces as I realised that it wouldn't be too long. I never knew what happened to you after that. But 4 months later, I see you lying in ED, confused once more, with your husband by your side. You looked so frail and vulnerable, and I knew this could be your last admission to hospital. On that fateful night, I was honoured to be the one on call when you passed away peacefully. With every call that informed me about your falling BP, my heart sank a little. Yet I was glad that if you were to pass away that night, I would be the one who was there to walk the last journey with you. A chapter was closed that night, as I saw Mustafa walk in with your son. As he called my name, I knew I was the lucky one to have been able to see you through your illness till the end. Thank you for teaching me how to love and care. I hope that wherever you are, you are in a better place.