The Story of a Boy
A Twist on a Tale
We’ve just moved this past Friday to the North Fork of Long Island. Meredith and I purchased this house as a weekend getaway over two years ago. After the pandemic we realized that we were going stir crazy in our one bedroom apartment in NYC. We needed more regular access to fresh air. I was drawn to the North Fork particularly by it’s access to farms, wineries, and parks. It was a stark break from the hustle and bustle of city life. We’ve spent numerous birthdays, summer weeks, and holidays at this “weekend house” and with each family gathering and fun weekend, it became more our “home” than our NYC apartment. It was during one especially grueling drive back into the city that Meredith and I both looked at each other and wondered the same exact thing. “Why do we keep driving back?”
Values
After Luca was born, it became clear that Meredith and I valued time at home with him above all else. That time was made even more enjoyable with extra space, and the capability to host our family. We identified our jobs as our biggest mental barriers to a permanent move. Most of this friction was with my job, since Meredith’s was very flexible. I had to weigh abandoning a promising career as a subspecialty academic anesthesiologist at one of the most respected NYC hospitals, for one where I would become a general anesthesiologist at a rural community hospital. I fought with this question for months before I finally developed the courage and mental clarity to send my chairman my resignation letter. The academic career ladder held very little personal value for me, and I was more than happy to fulfill a need at a rural hospital. My choice was met with disappointment and skepticism from a few higher ups in my department, but amongst my closest colleagues I found tremendous support. 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 love and respect for the land, and what it provides us. I want us to develop a sense of community and belonging amongst our neighbors.
A Twist on a Tale
Some of you may be familiar with the Story of the Mexican Fisherman. I’ve come across it a few times over the years, and recently came across it again in this YouTube Short from one of my favorite podcasters. 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 guys enjoy it, and please let me know what you think in the comments:
A wealthy investment banker had travelled to the countryside in order to get his vintage vehicle serviced, as it was having a minor engine issue. It was not uncommon for these specialty shops to be off the beaten path, and he relished the opportunity to explore a new corner of the country. This particular shop was surrounded by beautiful farms and small wineries. He was greeted at the shop by a young boy, likely in his early teenage years. The boy explained that his father was out of the shop at the moment, but that he would gladly begin the evaluation of the vehicle. The man was surprised, but obliged.
The young boy proceeded to inspect the vehicle carefully and diligently. It was obvious that he respected the fine craftsmanship, and was more than comfortable around a vehicle of this value. He explained his thoughts on with the engine issue, and recommended a few possible solutions. He was articulate and precise in his speech, and the banker was stunned by his vast fund of knowledge.
The banker asked, “Young man, you’re clearly very talented. Have you considered a plan for your future?”
The boy replied, “Truthfully sir, I don’t think much about the future. My days are busy with my father in the shop. I love working alongside him. I also love helping my mother with the garden. There are only a few things in this world that I love more than eating the food we grow after a fresh harvest. We also volunteer our time in the community whenever we can. For example, we repair the police cars and fire trucks as a service to the town. We also teach anyone who wants to learn the trade, so that they can attempt their own repairs. I also love woodworking at our shop at home. I make commission pieces for friends and family, and I also make toys to donate to the school.”
The boy paused as a vehicle pulled up to the shop. It was recognizable only to those few enthusiasts passionate enough to find and restore one. It was worth an order of magnitude more than the banker’s car. A tall and slender man stepped out. He was modestly dressed, and he was holding a small car part.
“Thank you for greeting our client son!” shouted the man from the car. He approached the banker and shook his hand. “Apologies for not being here to greet you sir. I just had to grab this part for you. I had a feeling I knew what was wrong when you described your particular engine issue.”
The banker was not looking at the man, who was apparently the boy’s father. The banker was staring at the car, mouth agape.
“This isn’t right!” the banker shouted.
“Pardon?” replied the father.
“This boy should not be toiling away in this garage!” sputtered the banker. “If you can afford this car, then you can certainly afford to send him away to an elite boarding school!”
“Why would I do that?” replied the father quizzically.
“So that he could then obtain admission to an Ivy league college of course!” the banker yelled as if this was obvious.
“And what then?” asked the father.
“Then he could even become a wealthy investment banker like me. If he works hard, and clearly he can, he could easily make partner, and amass a small fortune of his own!” replied the banker.
“And what then?” asked the father hiding a smile.
The banker composed himself and replied triumphantly, “Obviously then he could do whatever he pleases! He could live out his days wherever he wished doing whatever it is he wished to do!”
The boy smiled and looked at his father. His father looked back with warm eyes, full of understanding. The irony was lost only on the banker.
The boy kept his smile, turned to the banker and said, “I’m already here sir!”
“I want to raise my son in an environment that is closer to nature. I want him to develop a love and respect for the land, and what it provides us. I want us to develop a sense of community and belonging amongst our neighbors.“
A very wise decision, and one that will bear fruit each year of his life and your life. You will learn much more as you watch your son grow and thrive. God bless your family.