A big welcome to all of my new subscribers and followers! A few days ago Rob Henderson, one of the most popular writers on Substack, quoted my most post “Take a Stand” and this lead to a surge in readership. Thanks Rob!
I’ve revamped and re-published one of my favorite pieces below. I hope you enjoy it.
After Luca was born, it became clear that Meredith and I valued spending time with him above all else. While living in our small one bedroom apartment in New York City, we wondered if that time would be even more enjoyable with extra space, access to natural beauty, and the capability to host our loved ones. We saw some potential promise for this dream out east on Long Island. The biggest barrier for me was my job.
I had to weigh abandoning a promising career as a subspecialty academic anesthesiologist at a respected NYC hospital for one where I would become a general anesthesiologist at a rural community hospital. I fought with this question for months. Finally, around the end of 2023, I developed the courage and mental clarity to send my chairman my resignation letter.
I realized, that for me personally, the academic career ladder held very little value. Especially when the cost was time away from my family. I also realized that I was more than happy to fulfill a very real need at a rural community hospital, it was honorable work. So long as I could get home to Luca each day, I would be happy.
In retrospect, the decision was a very easy one. I want to raise my son in an environment that is closer to nature. I want him to develop a deep love and respect for the land, and what it provides us. I want us to develop a sense of community amongst like minded neighbors.
When I reflect on my move to the country and I find myself tending to the garden with my son, I remember the “Story of the Mexican Fisherman.” (Here is a text version for those who wish to read it)
I’ve been inspired to come up with my own version. I hope you enjoy it.
Enzo was as wealthy as bankers could dream of becoming. On this particular day he was driving through the countryside in his rare vintage automobile. As he drove with the top down and the wind rushing through his hair, he relished his ownership of such a vehicle. He had dreamed of this car as a child, and now it was his.
It was also in need of service. He knew that it was common for the specialty shops that serviced these vehicles to be off the beaten path, but he enjoyed the opportunity to explore new corners of the country. This particular shop was located at the end of a very long island. It was surrounded by stunning farmland and adjacent to a charming winery.
When he arrived at the shop he was greeted by a young boy, who introduced himself as Luca. He explained that his father was out of the shop at the moment, but that he would be more than happy evaluate the vehicle. Enzo was surprised, but obliged.
The boy proceeded to inspect the vehicle carefully and diligently. It was obvious that he was comfortable around the vehicle, even one as rare as this. He correctly identified service issues and proceeded to recommend repairs. He was articulate and precise in his speech, and Enzo was stunned by his fund of knowledge.
He asked, “Luca, you’re clearly very talented. Have you considered a plan for your future?”
Luca replied, “Truthfully sir, I don’t think much about the future. My days are busy with my father in the shop. I love working with him.”
“But, what about attending a university? Or a career? You eventually would want to move out of the country, yes?” asked Enzo.
“I don’t know about all that sir. I love working my dad. I love helping my mother in the garden. I love eating the food we grow. I love being able to spend time with my family and friends. I’m happy here!”
Luca paused as a vehicle pulled up to the shop. It was recognizable only to those few enthusiasts passionate and wealthy enough to find and restore one. It was worth an order of magnitude more than the Enzo’s car. A man stepped out of the car. He was modestly dressed, tall and lean, but strong like a mature tree.
“Thank you for greeting our client son!” shouted the man. He approached Enzo and shook his hand. “Apologies for not being here to greet you sir.”
Enzo was not looking at the man, who was apparently the boy’s father. He was staring at the car, mouth agape.
“This isn’t right!” he shouted.
“Pardon?” replied the father.
“This boy should not be toiling away in this garage!” he sputtered. “If you can afford this vehicle, then you can certainly afford to send him away to an elite boarding school!”
“Why would I send my son away?” replied the father quizzically.
“So then he could obtain admission to an elite university of course!” Enzo yelled, exasperated, as if this was obvious.
“And what then?” asked the father.
“Then, he could even become a wealthy banker like me. If he works hard, and clearly he can, he could easily amass a small fortune of his own!” replied Enzo with a chuckle.
“And what then?” asked the father hiding a smile.
The banker composed himself and replied triumphantly, “Obviously then he could do whatever he pleased! He could live out his days wherever he wished, doing whatever it is he wished to do!”
At this point Luca smiled and looked at his father. His father looked back at his son with warm eyes.
The irony was only lost on Enzo.