Looking forward, I see a field of roses. Imagining that their beauty is beyond measure, I want to experience them up close so I can smell them, feel them, and observe them. Walking toward the roses, I start to appreciate the aroma, but as I get closer the thorns constantly prick me. Sometimes I am so busy trying to stop the bleeding that I rarely notice the flowers. Despite the inevitable challenges, our medical school journey has been blessed with friends, opportunities, family, and bliss! 

I remember our first MSA orientation. The other medical spouses seemed to know each other and their children.  I remember being intimidated by all of the spouses’ beauty (and good looks, Dave), talents, abilities, and previous and current accomplishments.  What I love most about each of them is their desire to serve others. MSA has encouraged and strengthened relationships to go forth and serve each other and those around us on a daily basis. I feel honored to be part of such a great organization. I love the friends we have made through medical school and know and love their families as well.

I was privileged to go to Washington, D.C. last year and represent our University of Utah chapter of the AMAA. I went with expectations to meet other school representatives and learn more about their programs, but I was astonished to find out that we are the only school with an MSA chapter. Other schools do not have as many married students and those spouses work full-time and have other obligations. We are the largest spouse-supporting network in all of the medical schools. I then realized the magnitude of the blessing it has been for our family to attend the University of Utah Medical School. The Festival of Trees, Faux Paw, and supporting and organizing other activities have been blessings in my life. Being involved in opportunities to serve has helped the time be much sweeter. We have also been humbled by the service of many of you.

When we started medical school with two boys, people thought we were crazy. It was reassuring to find so many others starting their journey with kids also. We aren’t the only crazy ones! We have been blessed to add a third boy during school and are excited to add a fourth child this summer! Not only have we been blessed by our growing immediate family, but by our extended family as well. Both Laron and I are from Utah and have many family members within the state. During medical school we have been able to ask them for help and attend family gatherings. The season here has been sweet as we have strengthened our relationships with them.

Fourth-year bliss, for us, didn’t start until November and it has proved to be blissful indeed. I do need to be honest and say it has been a different kind of busy. We have had some thorns in our path along the way. Looking back, I see the same field of roses. Their beauty is beyond measure! Having experienced their beauty up close, I remember the sweet smells, the silky soft rose petals, and the sturdy, long stems. Each flower is in a different phase of blooming, and each is beautiful. 

Miquelle Crosland