Prayed with a patient for the first time today.  Not sure if it was exactly allowed (but don't think it's not allowed either?) but it seemed like she really needed it and she had faith, so I offered.  She was the type of patient who no matter what you tried, you would just be going in circles.  Nothing could really be done for her unless her spirit stopped hurting.  In her case, it was the most important part of her symptoms.

Goofy dogs that remember you like an old friend, and recognize and run to you from across the street while dragging their dog-walker along.

The wrench in your stomach when you're introduced by your weaknesses, or at least what others perceive as unfortunate traits, by someone that is supposed to know you well.

When you feel like you're waiting for something wonderful and painful and worth it that will never actually happen.

The glimmer in your eye when you realize that despite all your differences, you'd still trust your brother with everything.

As emotionally challenging this rotation has been, there are still little moments that show me the beauty and humanity of it.  Today, as I was sifting through the various disjointed electronic charts, I came across a small piece of information that might offer some comfort to the patient.  Immediately, she started crying - out of relief - and got just one more moment of peace in what seemed like a lifetime of sadness.  She was already on her way to getting better, but it wasn't just the meds - it was everyone around her that showed her that she was worth something, that they would not dismiss her, and that they cared.

I don't know if I believe in soulmates.  My mind conjures up too many possibilities and combinations of scenarios to think - out of all these people and possible life paths, all these language barriers and shores divided by oceans and time - that there has always just been one person meant to perfectly fit me.

I do know, or at least I do hope, that one day I will meet someone with which that question does not matter.  They will not be my absolute puzzle piece, but our hands will fit together.  My heart will have found a home, and it will not need to, nor want to, search elsewhere for an answer.