We first crossed paths in 2010 at St. Alexius Hospital. Eric was working there, and I had just started as a clinical director. Eric had a bit of a reputation for being “difficult” and “hard to handle,” and administration decided to pass the task of managing him to me. They found that when I approached him about behavior, committee meetings, or policy issues, he took it better and caused less trouble. And so, our story began—with me as Eric’s boss.

After about four years, I moved to Sanford, another hospital in town. A few years later, when we were in search of a new neurosurgeon, I suggested reaching out to Eric. To everyone’s surprise and delight, we successfully recruited him to Sanford. Although I wasn’t his manager this time, I helped with his transition and setting up his practice since I was familiar with his process.

Then, on July 3, 2016, I received an unexpected text from Eric asking, “Do you think you’re brave enough to go kayaking on the Missouri River?” It was a curious message, especially since we had never socialized outside of work before. His competitive tone sparked something in me, and I thought, “Of course, I’m brave enough. Does he think I’m some kind of coward?”

So, I accepted the invitation. I was a bit confused and unsure about what to make of it, particularly since our interactions had always been work-related. However, my kids were all out of town, and it was an extremely rare day when I had absolutely no plans. So why not?

We packed up his kayaks and headed to the boat landing. As we drifted down the river to his place, we talked non-stop, sharing stories and laughing. That day was truly magical, and it was clear that we had something rare and special. From that moment on, we’ve been inseparable.

Fr

Nous nous sommes croisés pour la première fois en 2010 à l’hôpital St. Alexius. Eric y travaillait et je venais de commencer comme directrice clinique. Eric avait la réputation d’être « difficile » et « difficile à gérer », et l’administration a décidé de me confier la tâche de le gérer. Ils ont constaté que lorsque je lui parlais de comportement, de réunions de comité ou de questions de politique, il le prenait mieux et causait moins de problèmes. Et c’est ainsi que notre histoire a commencé, avec moi comme patron d’Eric.

Après environ quatre ans, j’ai déménagé à Sanford, un autre hôpital de la ville. Quelques années plus tard, alors que nous étions à la recherche d’un nouveau neurochirurgien, j’ai suggéré de contacter Eric. À la surprise et à la joie de tous, nous l’avons recruté avec succès à Sanford. Bien que je n’étais pas son manager cette fois-ci, je l’ai aidé dans sa transition et dans la mise en place de son cabinet car je connaissais son processus.

Puis, le 3 juillet 2016, j’ai reçu un SMS inattendu d’Eric me demandant : « Pensez-vous être assez courageux pour faire du kayak sur la rivière Missouri ? »