David Thomas Murray – 50th Reunion Essay

David Thomas Murray

1876 River Road

Jacksonville, FL 32207

dmurraymd@bellsouth.net

(904) 219-0484

Spouse(s): Cynthia Irvin Murray (1969)

Child(ren): David Thomas (1972), Lida Kern (1980)

Education: WVU School of Medicine MD 1973

College: Morse

Nothing in his seven years of boyhood adventures prepared my grandson for the descent into the portion of the Caribbean populated by innumerable large sting rays. The bravado of the morning was gone and his lip quivered with uncertainty. Mustering his nerve, he followed me into the water and found courage and joy in the experience.

Nothing in my 18 years in a tiny town in rural West Virginia prepared me for Yale University. I had won most of the academic awards in my home state, so I had my own bravado on arrival to New Haven in the fall of 1965. This façade melted away as I stood in the middle of College Street and watched my parents drive away from my freshman drop-off. I was less confident when I discovered roommates from New York and Detroit—places I had never been. Classwork was a grind and I soon discovered that I was not “the smartest guy” anymore. My bursary jobs were enlightening, my tuba skills transferred easily to the Precision Marching Band, and I learned to swim. Like my grandson, I found there is a special thrill that comes with facing and defeating your fears.

In my senior year I met the love of my life (now married 48 years) and was accepted to medical school.