Is That Deductible? A Special Trip to Virginia

As physicians and entrepreneurs, the lines between our personal and professional lives can sometimes blur. We often find ourselves pondering, "Is that deductible?"—a question that intertwines our roles as healers, business owners, and human beings seeking connection and joy in life. My recent trip to Virginia with my wife Ellen epitomizes this blend, as it was a journey rich in personal significance and devoid of direct business purposes.

Embracing the Adventure List: Nature and Beyond

Our trip was an opportunity to incorporate elements from our "adventure list," a collection of experiences we aspire to share together that includes visiting every US National Park. Ohio was a short diversion on the way to Virginia. The journey offered captivating natural beauty, and the perfect backdrop for this adventure. We explored Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Shenandoah National Park, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of nature, hiking trails that revealed stunning vistas, and reconnecting with the serene landscapes that remind us of life's simplicity and splendor.

A Friendship Forged in Medicine and Faith

Yet, the heart of our trip lay in visiting one of my dearest friends, Jimmy. Our lives fused together during our family medicine residency training in Roanoke, Virginia. This bond grew even stronger through our church connections, where we team-taught a young married Sunday school class. Jimmy and I joined forces in private practice in rural Virginia, embarking on our first "real jobs" at Blue Ridge Medical Center. Our shared commitment extended beyond medicine as we duplicated our young married couple teaching endeavors at our new church in the rural community of Rocky Mount, Virginia. Our families were intertwined, sharing life's joys and challenges in a supportive and loving community.

Life’s Unforeseen Twists and Turns

Life, however, has a way of steering us in unforeseen directions. My wife's battle with metastatic breast cancer necessitated our return to Indiana, seeking the support of our family and community. During this tumultuous time, I shifted to an employed doctor role to focus on my family. Despite our efforts, my wife passed away less than two years later. As I navigated the complexities of grief and rebuilding my life, Jimmy stood by my side, eventually becoming one of my groomsmen when I remarried more than a year later.

Jimmy's life took its own twists and turns. He left private practice for the mission field in the UAE. Upon his return, he faced the heartbreak of divorce and the challenge of rebuilding his life. Eventually, he found love again, remarrying and settling into an employed medical practice in Bedford, Virginia.

Reconnecting and Celebrating Resilience

Our trip to visit Jimmy and his new wife was more than just a reunion; it was a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the intricate tapestry of our lives. It was a special moment that connected us again, alongside our second wives, in a tapestry of love and support that includes blended families and the shared experience of medical life. This weekend rekindled our deep-seated friendship and reminded me of why I once thought I would spend my entire life in Southwest Virginia.

The Heart of the Journey: Personal Connections Enriching Professional Lives

Reflecting on this trip, it's clear that while there was virtually no part of it that would meet the criteria for a business purpose, the essence of the journey was rooted in a deep-seated medical friendship with a former partner whom I love dearly. This connection, although personal, enriches my professional life by grounding me in the values of compassion, resilience, and the importance of community and faith.

Embracing the Intangibles: The Value of Personal Experiences

As we navigate the complexities of our professional and personal lives, we must remember that not everything that enriches our practice is tax-deductible. Some of the most valuable experiences lie in the intangible—friendships, memories, and the journeys that remind us of the humanity at the heart of medicine. This trip, with its blend of adventure, nature, and heartfelt reconnection, stands as a testament to the enduring bonds that shape our lives as physicians and individuals.

For those of you building and managing your micro-corporations, I encourage you to embrace these personal connections and experiences. While they may not always fit neatly into the business expense column, they undoubtedly contribute to our overall well-being and success as physicians and entrepreneurs. After all, it's these moments that remind us why we do what we do and fuel our passion for both our profession and our personal lives.

So, the next time you find yourself asking, "Is that deductible?" remember that not all value can be measured in dollars and cents. Sometimes, the most meaningful investments we make are in the relationships and experiences that shape our journey.

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