Page 17 of Choosing Us

My house is immaculate, in part because of personal preference, and in part because of the diligent work of a local company that handles the routine upkeep. I also pay extra to have them keep my fridge stocked weekly. I grew up with my parents using the same company, and it's incredibly helpful, especially during the busy season at work—which seems to be constant as of late. The hospital has a new chairman of the board. Calvin Rutledge is convinced that we need to either acquire a smaller regional hospital or merge with another healthcare system in the tri-state area in order to stay competitive with pricing, but also retention and recruitment of our specialty doctors.

I’ve made my own thoughts on the matter clear, but I’m convinced Calvin’s favorite pastime is hearing himself talk, and he continues to persuade the other board members to approve motions that dump busy work onto my desk and under my responsibility. I think the previous chair had the right idea for the direction of Forrest Falls Hospital: understand where we excel as a smaller regional hospital and be the best that we can be in that lane.

We can’t be all things to everyone—nor can we compete with the massive systems nearby.

With Nashville an hour away, there are much larger healthcare systems competing for patients, but if we try to be too many things at once, we will fail at everything. We need to focus on our niche and be the best without losing focus on what makes our hospital the best. It’s poor strategy to chase every wild idea, at least at this level of leadership. We offer the small-town relational care that people around here prefer, with a handful of specialties that cover what most people need.

I know if I mentioned any of my frustrations to Jack, he would immediately offer me a job at Lux—I’ve lost count on how many times he has offered me one. I’ve never given him hope that I would accept, but I would be lying if I said that some days, I’m not tempted to explore it a little more than just casual conversation.

I grab a beer and settle into the couch, debating if I should watch a game or read a little … or utilize that phone number Savannah gave me yesterday.

It’s not hard to make a decision.

I set my beer down on the coffee table and grab my phone.

Me

Hey, Harlow. This is Ryan Callahan, Savannah’s brother. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked her for your number.

I didn’t actually ask, but I was going to before she beat me to it, so intent counts.

I watch the text message for any sign of life.

And then I see it.

Little dancing dots. The smile that spreads across my face is the largest one I’ve had all day.

Harlow

Oh, hi!

How can she sound cute over texting? I didn’t know that was possible.

Harlow

And of course, that’s fine. Are you feeling okay? Did you catch what Olivia had? I thought Savannah said she was feeling better today. Maybe I should call her and check?

Me

No, no, sorry, I’m fine. And I think Olivia is feeling better too. That’s not why I wanted your number.

Those little dancing dots start and then stop twice.

Harlow

Oh! Ok… What’s up?

Me

I wanted to say it was nice to meet you, and I really appreciated what you did for my niece (and sister) the other night.

Harlow

Of course, it was nothing.

Me

It may not have been a big ask, but it still mattered.