The whole reason I had ear surgery in the first place was because one day, while my mom was trying to teach me how to use a stethoscope (you obviously have to be pretty good at using one of these if you want to become a doctor), we discovered that I couldn't hear ANYTHING. So, I got referred to the ENT doc, who diagnosed me with otosclerosis (calcification build up in the ear which makes the whole middle ear not function properly). He recommended for me to have the stapedotomy surgery. During surgery, he realized it was NOT otosclerosis but instead a congenital malformation. My stapes had been upside down since birth. No wonder I couldn't hear well all these years! I mean, I've always known my hearing was pretty bad, and I've always attributed it to the scar tissue in my ears from my myringotomy when I was 7 years old. I had tubes put in my ears. But, we finally figured out what was wrong! Anyways, today, for the first time, I tried on my brother's stethoscope, and I could hear heartbeats and crackles!! This totally made my day!!! =) =) =) <3 <3 <3 God is soooo good. I'm all smiles! I could seriously listen to heartbeats all night... what a beautiful sound.

<3,
Diane

There's so much stuff that I keep inside and so much waiting to come out of me... I really feel like this! =)

My MCATs are next Saturday, and I would whole-heartedly appreciate if you could simply pray for me... for guidance, wisdom, courage, and the strength to succeed and do well on this exam, if it is God's will. I'm working hard to do my part as well. Thank you! <3

A Prayer Before Study by St. Thomas Aquinas OP

Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance.

Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.

Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas, OP (patron of scholars)


All my love,
Diane