When I was 13, and my dad passed away, the hospital that he had worked at, created an award in his name. They named it the "Blaine Markee Residency Award." Every year after, they awarded an outstanding resident with the award. I was lucky enough to be able to attend some of the Residency dinners, and watch the award be presented.

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to be able to present the award in my dads name. It was hard to make a speech in front of hundreds of doctors, but it felt so great to see these residents get so excited to know that they earned it. Last weekend there was another Residency dinner, and we were able to attend. I did not present the award this year, but a doctor that knew my dad for 30 years did. He talked, and shared stories about my dad that I had never heard before. The lady that won the award, I actually got to meet two years ago at the last dinner, so I was ecstatic to see that she had won it. She is so deserving, and such a hardworking resident.

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My dad left behind such a legacy, and I am constantly trying to live up to it. I want to be able to leave that type of impact on the world when I am no longer here. It is amazing to me to know that my father was so loved, and so respected when he was here on earth.

Being an orthopedic surgeon and chief of surgery he was known by everyone and when ever I come across anyone who knew him I always hear so many great stories. I can't wait to be able to keep hearing stories about the man he was, and continue to live up to the wonderful legacy he left behind.