Celebrating 25 Years with My Unsung Hero – Is That Deductible?

During my flight to Kansas for locums work, I had a rare moment of stillness—an opportunity to reflect on the overwhelming gratitude I feel for my wife, Ellen. Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated 25 years of marriage, a milestone that fills me with awe and deep appreciation.

A Love Story Only God Could Write

Ellen entered my life at its most vulnerable moment. My first wife had passed away at just 33, leaving me a grieving widower with two small children—ages three and eighteen months. I was adrift, trying to navigate life as a single father while balancing the all-consuming demands of being a rural physician. Then, God orchestrated something miraculous: I met Ellen on a blind date, and from the moment our paths crossed, our connection was undeniable. Less than a year later, we were married, and our family expanded rapidly. Three more children followed in less than three years, creating a dynamic household of five that would become the cornerstone of my world.

Quite honestly, it moves me to tears when I reflect on the incredible blessing that Ellen is in my life. As a remarkable gift from God, she has profoundly enriched my existence through her unwavering commitment and example as a Godly woman of faith. Her influence reaches far beyond mere words; she regularly inspires every member of our family to embody and express our Christian values both within the sanctuary of our homes and throughout the broader community. Ellen's steadfast devotion is like a beacon of light, guiding us all to live with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Her impact is immeasurable, and her presence in our lives serves as a constant reminder of the grace and love that faith can bring into everyday experiences.

The Unsung Hero of Our Home

While my career demanded erratic hours—delivering babies in the middle of the night, responding to emergencies, and caring for our rural community—Ellen was the unwavering constant in our home. She managed the chaos of five children and my crazy doctor life with a grace that continues to astound me. She was always present, always engaged, always making each of us feel like we were her sole focus in the moment.

An exemplary illustration of her being the central figure in our home was a recent weekend that truly showcased the remarkable woman she is. This whirlwind of activities was not only a testament to her organizational skills but also to her boundless compassion and dedication.

The weekend began with her joining me to inspect and advise our daughter Hannah and her fiancé Ryan on their new apartment, ensuring everything was in perfect condition for them to start their new life together. She seamlessly transitioned from this familial duty to orchestrating a highly engaging date night me and some old friends, where she effortlessly lit up the room with her infectious laughter and warmth.

Then at 4am the next morning, her energy knew no bounds as she then took on the task of a 2 hour drive of our son Caleb to the airport in Indianapolis, so he could visit his newborn nephew in Texas, marking yet another family connection nurtured by her loving care. Not stopping there, she then spent hours apartment shopping with our youngest daughter Sara, who is on the cusp of graduating from nursing school. Sara has recently signed a contract as a psychiatric nurse in Indianapolis—a milestone celebration that required thoughtful planning and support. In between these significant endeavors, she found time for connecting with our daughter Jessica and her husband who recently purchased a home in Indianapolis, ensuring they felt loved and valued amidst their busy lives.

Even then, she didn't pause; instead less than 24 hours later, she devoted herself to her Monday routine of caring for her aging mother with tenderness and patience. That day long visit was capped off by another 2 hour both ways trip to Indianapolis to pick up our son from the airport after his visit to Texas. Throughout each moment of this busy weekend—whether filled with logistical challenges or emotional connections—she moved gracefully through it all with a heart full of love, laughter, and unbridled joy.

Her selflessness is truly breathtaking; it is woven into every action she takes and every decision she makes for those around her. Her ability to juggle multiple roles while maintaining such an unwavering spirit is nothing short of inspiring.

Through Thick & Thin

No one can truly comprehend the depths of genuine love unless they have experienced it firsthand. This profound connection is something Ellen and I lived through together, intimately entwining our lives in every way possible. We faced countless challenges side by side—navigating crises, moving homes, reveling in the sheer joy of raising our five children, and enduring the heart-wrenching sorrow of losing those we held dear. We shared whispered prayers in hospital corridors, exchanged warm hugs under twinkling Christmas lights, and offered each other forgiveness for our inevitable human errors.

Ellen illuminates for me what true love genuinely embodies. It transcends mere romance or fleeting physical attraction; it is a steadfast presence grounded in shared adversities and indomitable care that never wavers. True love thrives on forgiveness, as the Gospel demonstrates to us—an understanding that even when mistakes are made, the bond remains unbroken because both individuals are deeply committed to nurturing their connection and covenant relationship. Such love leaves an indelible imprint on one's soul, etching itself into the very fabric of one's being and enduring throughout time as a testament to a life profoundly intertwined with another's.

A Special 25th Anniversary at Simpli SoHa

For our 25th anniversary, we knew exactly where we wanted to go: South Haven, Michigan, to the very place that had been our regular escape for brief but cherished getaways over the years. This location was so meaningful to us that it inspired us to build our first short-term rental, Simpli SoHa. It’s a place filled with memories—of deep conversations, stolen moments of respite, and reconnection.

And, in true entrepreneurial fashion, we blended celebration with business. While there, we made necessary repairs and upgrades based on feedback from guests, ensuring our STR continued to provide an exceptional experience. These business-related activities made a portion of our expenses—transportation, meals, and maintenance—legally deductible under our real estate business. But beyond the deductions, the true value of this trip was in the quiet reflection, counting our blessings over the past 25 years.

The Power of a Micro-Business

Our journey—from balancing the demands of my medical career to creating financial freedom through micro-businesses—has solidified my belief in the power of self-employment. Owning Simpli SoHa is more than just an investment; it’s an example of how strategically planned micro-businesses can create opportunities for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.

As a physician, you have the ability to create a micro-corporation that provides you with agency in the marketplace, allowing you to take control of your career and wealth. If you’re ready to take that step, SimpliMD is here to guide you.

Ready to Take Control of Your Professional Life?

💡 Book a personalized micro-business consultation for only $99! This investment unlocks a full-year SimpliMD membership ($2,500 value) packed with business products and resources. Schedule your consult here.

📚 Enroll in ‘Creating a Practice Without Walls’, our course designed to teach you how to build a micro-corporation that gives you true independence. Sign up today!

📊 Download the SimpliMD Business Plan Suite—complete with a Business Plan Template, a Micro-Corporation Budget Template, and a SWOT Analysis Template—to streamline your business planning. Get your copy now. I utilized this exact business plan to establish our Simpli SoHa STR venture, and I can humbly share that within the past year, we achieved a significant milestone outlined in the plan: reaching $100,000 in rental income during the pas rental season. This success clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategy and underscores why adopting this business plan could be a game-changer for your endeavors as well.

A Final Reflection

As I look back on these 25 years, I see a journey marked by love, faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of my incredible wife. Ellen, who is the heartbeat of our family—the one who holds everything together with grace and love. I marvel at her ability to be everything to everyone, to pour into us so selflessly. She is truly the greatest blessing of my life.

To my fellow physicians: Life is short, and the ability to design a life of meaning—both professionally and personally—is within your grasp. Let’s make it happen together.