That right there is my family Coat of Arms. Pretty sweet, right? But what is a coat of arms?
Well the introduction of armour in the twelfth century made it essential for knights to wear appropriate colors or markings by which he could be recognized on the field by friend or foe. Since the use of armour and heraldry became widespread in Europe, there was danger that two or more knights might choose the same identifiying symbols, and so to obviate the confusion, the sovereign appropriated the right to approve the particular distinguishing marks to be used by those entitled to display a coat of arms. Therefore the right to use specific and distintive devices became a mark of nobility or honor in the realm
While in Scotland, located at Edinburgh Castle, Brian and I came across a herald who had a large logbook of family crests and coats of arms, so on a whim we decided to see if our family was registered as I had been told often by my parents as a child that we come from Russian Nobility. As it turns out, we do!
The shield is in red, representing fire and fortitude, depicting three scythe blades issuing from a rose in the center all done in silver which stands for peace and nobility. The scythe expresses the hope of a fruitful harvest of things longed for and the rose, reckoned the first among flowers is held to be typical of beauty, grace, and hope
The crest, shows a knights helmet representing wisdom in defence and is topped by a ducal coronet denoting royal or seigniorial authority in gold, the color of purity and valour. Rising out of it are a plume of five ostrich feathers signifying willing obedience and serenity, also done in silver
The heraldric supporters are two bulls (my zodiac sign is Taurus-score!) which represent valour and magnaminity
The family motto is Nichevo which roughly translates as “Let things take their course”
This discovery came at a perfect time and really touches some important notes with me. I have some blue blood, apparently associated with bravery and serenity, family values which are right in line with my history of risk taking and remaining calm under pressure, I can be magnanimous as noted by my very own zodiac sign who is my heraldric supporter.
I am slightly less thrilled about my family motto although it is still very appropriate. I had hoped for a badass family motto, like never say die, or strength in all things. Instead, Nichevo is a uniquely russian word that translates as “let things take their course” or “it cant be helped” or basically “shit happens”
A family motto to me means something your family can draw on in times of hardship, reminding you from where you came, where you are going. Mine is basically a shrug. When the going gets tough, …eh, it is what it is.
The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that like it or not, this is exactly what most of the men in our family have done. My grandfather, My father, Myself, we are not big complainers. When faced with challenges, we tend to carry on as usual and let the universe sort itself out. This doesnt mean we dont constantly work to better ourselves, but that we acknowledge we can only change ourselves, not our circumstances.
Thinking back to my work drama, I have lived this motto wholeheartedly. The decision to hold me for probation and all the the chaos that ensued was never in my control. Not the length of time, not who I worked under or with, and not the terms. I was angry, and depressed, and the more I struggled and fought the situation, going to lawyers, counseling, bitching nonstop to friends or online, threatening to leave medicine, the less things changed. When I simply accepted that I couldnt change my circumstances but could work within them, I ended up rediscovering my love of teaching students and interns, becoming a more careful and meticulous physician, and getting some of the best evaluations I have had in the entire residency. I still dont care for my hospital, but when I just let things take their course, everything solved itself.
So although my family motto may not be as badass as I hoped, it taught me that since 1413 my ancestors have bred an impressive equanimity into ourselves, and if I tap into that family faith in the universe, things will be okay. Trouble may often come to call, but that doesnt mean it has to stay
SO the next time I have drama or problems, I will look at this over my desk, throw up my hands, and say “nichevo”
After all, it’s in my genes.
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