Yesterday I got note that I passed my medical board exam. It is one of the hardest exams you can do and I spent months studying day and night and struggled for years due to health issues and it is a very big deal to me and for my future career. (I don't mean to brag, I am just adding this for context)
Two weeks ago, when I walked out of the exam hall I wasn’t happy though. There were hundreds of people waiting outside for the other students. Their entire family and friends, with flowers, banners, gifts and champagne bottles. I just felt sad and empty. Because I got absolutely nothing. My parents later told me they knew it was the last day of my multi day exam. They didn’t visit, or call or write an e-mail. Not even a text message to wish me good luck before or congratulate me after.
I am happy for the other people that they have nice supportive families, but having it rubbed in your face like that can be hard at times.
Yesterday I got the results and found out I passed. I called my mother and she was at least kind of happy for me and told me she would tell my father. Again, no visit, no phone call, no e-mail, no text message, no gifts, no flowers, no champagne. So, today I called him and told him. He said “He knew, but he didn’t want to bother me”. Just said “Thats nice, I’m glad.” In a completely monotone voice. Then, he immediately interrupted me while I was speaking and proceeded to spend 20-30minutes talking about his own life (nothing of note had happened) and telling me anecdotes from some of his past jobs he had already told me 10x before, until I hung up on him.
Isn’t it grand.