A Trip To The Cadaver Lab

It was a stormy rainy night. (no really, it was) and I met my classmates at the school parking lot. We carpooled. Not much was said. Except TURN HERE. Nerves maybe. We were ushered up to the top floor of the Neil Hellman School of Albany Med, given vicks, scrubs, and gloves. Once all in line in front of the big doors, we all waited with... anticipation? And then they opened the doors. I'm pretty sure it was in slow motion. That's what I remember. And then, there they were.

Not sure what happened to me, but I was violently prevented from heading through those doors. But alas, (always wanted to use that word) (shakespear I think) I went through. Head down. Convincing myself they're not real people, laying on those tables, in a state that I can't even discribe.

But thinking that, got me through the 2 hour hands on learning experience. And when I forgot to think that, bad things happened to me. Because in reality, they are people. Someone's mom, dad, sister, loved one. I think its an amazing thing what those people did, donating their bodies to science. And an even greater sacrifice for those who love them.

Yes, I did feel the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus. I even touched a brain. And for this, I am grateful. But really, my only thoughts are "All you holy men and women, Rest in Peace."

Thanks,
c.