The Expanding Flint Clan

A short post today but our family has news that's too great not to share. I awoke this morning, put on my scrubs and trudged my way to anatomy class. But as I looked down at my phone I saw a text from my mom saying Hayley Mae 7lbs 5oz. Little did I know my sister in law went into labor early and delivered her precious baby girl in the wee hours of the morning. What a great way to start off the day. Being an aunt is one of the greatest jobs in the world and I am blessed to have that opportunity. I have never been a huge baby person but there is something magical in holding your niece/nephew in your arms, sitting and watching curious george, spoiling them with ice cream before mom and dad get home, and yes even dealing with their temper tantrums. Connor (my nephew) has been such a joy to watch grow up, even if much of it is virtually as I've either been in undergrad or here at vet school. I am so looking forward to watching Hayley grow up as well. You can bet this auntie will do all she can to influence her to be a soccer player :)

But really I just wish the best for both my niece and nephew and their mom and dad. My brother is in the field for Ranger school but luckily Julia was able to get word to him through the Chaplain. He gets an 8 hour pass in between phases of Ranger school so he will be able to see his new baby girl.

As for me, this is our last week of class and we have a holiday on Thursday. Finals week (s) start on Monday where I will be struggling to make it through 10 finals. Home is in sight and I can't wait. Best wishes to everyone! Please keep my brother and his growing family in your thoughts.

Welcome to the world Hayley Mae Flint!!

April 16th

Hello again blog followers. Today is a special blog post as it is the 7th anniversary of the April 16th tragedy at Virginia Tech. This is my first year away from Blacksburg on the memorial day and I must say its a little strange. No longer do I see a flood of maroon and orange as everyone walks around head to toe in Tech gear. No longer will I stand on the drillfield with my classmates holding a lit candle while echoed taps plays in the background. No longer will I run the 3.2 for 32 and pose in front of Burruss for a gigantic group photo. But, while I may not be in Blacksburg to support my Hokie community, I am supporting them from afar. Sending them love and showing the people of Grenada what a great color combination Maroon and Orange really is. I hope that each one of you reading this can take a moment today to send up a prayer for our fallen 32. But more importantly take the time to talk to those you love, reconnect with someone you have been meaning to, or do something good for another person.

The past few weeks have been filled with tests and assignments, gearing up for the end of class and the start of a 2 week finals period. I have 10 finals over the 2 weeks and it will be a mental challenge for sure. I have a final histology quiz on Thursday but after that the shenanigans shall commence. We have a 4 day weekend to celebrate the Easter holiday. Thursday night everyone is going the a "Fort Party". Exactly what it sounds like, it is being held at Fort Mathews and is a final throwdown for the seniors in both the medical and veterinary school before they leave the island. Friday will most likely be a recovery/lay on the beach day which I am excited for. My body is in serious need of some vitamin D. The rest of the holiday will be spent studying....final anatomy quiz on Tuesday and then some prepping for finals. Today marks the 31 days left before I get to go home. I love it here but I am very excited to be back in the arms of my family and friends. The list of food I have lined up to eat is extensive....more diverse than a UN conference. I still am not 100% sure what my summer plans will entail. I am waiting for a few employers to contact me. Well thats all for now.

"While 32 of our friends and classmates are in Heaven trying to explain what a Hokie is, I stand here sure in the fact that I wouldn’t want to be anything else." Live for 32