Shrimp Boil

Tuesday night we held a shrimp boil in our backyard with the students in the Rural Medical Program. The dinner was in honor of Dr. Bill Coleman who is the director of the Rural Medicine Program at UAB. He not only practiced rural family medicine for more than 30 years, but also held the title of President of the American Academy of Family Physicians during the early 90's which shows his heart and contribution to family medicine. I think it is fair to say that Dr. Coleman has been influential in many careers. He is passionate about family medicine and the future of the field. He has spent time mentoring each one of them and I think it's fair to say they wouldn't be where they are today if it were not for him.

God held off the rain and provided perfect weather for our outside gathering.

 Sam and Owen were the official taste-testers and first in line for the fruit.

David grilled some wild turkey with cream cheese and jalapeño wrapped in bacon.

Anything wrapped in bacon is hard to beat.

This was no exception and I think all the boys were big fans.

 Ty manned the shrimp boil.

Dr. Coleman tried his hand at sidewalk chalk and proved to be quite the artist.

If medicine doesn't work out for Ty, I think he and Brittany could safely open a restaurant and specialize in low country cuisine. It is definitely an art they have perfected.

We had quite the spread: broccoli cornbread, baked beans, southern caviar, fruit skewers, hummingbird cupcakes, cheesecake, and chocolate chip monkey bread. Jessica even went above and beyond with fresh squeezed lemonade.

After we feasted

the boys strummed a few tunes on their guitars.

I was telling Brittany, I think this group of guys are really one of a kind. Good people, with the hearts for helping people and making the world better, and can pick up a guitar and make beautiful music.

That is a special thing. Speaking of special, you must meet baby Ruby.

It was a great night...delicious food, fellowship among friends and classmates, little ones playing in the yard until the sun went down, watching lightning bugs, listening to the boys strum guitars.

So much focus has been put on school, test scores, residency programs, where you are going...it was nice to sit back, relax and be thankful for where they are now and who helped them get there.