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Eli G's avatar

Oh Jane and Erica, stuff from my heart is spilling all over after reading this interview. To be so gifted and, well, beyond . . . I love Erica’s succinctly stated value, means everything, about accumulation versus contribution—what she hopes her boys will learn from her. I also love: “kindness isn’t about fixing. It’s about noticing. Holding space. Being with someone in the dark without trying to rush them toward the light. That one quiet act shaped how I show up for others to this day.” Cold Coke and a granola bar and a deeply loving colleague. Life is so simple and rich and . . . not at all simple! But what a gigantic boost to know about Erica and know we here in Michigan are in her proximity. Gives such hope and gladness.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oooooooh, Elizabeth, that answer practically had me in tears!! It now lives in my heart!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview! And, yes, we're lucky she's in Michigan!

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Kirie Pedersen's avatar

I too will carry that "being with someone in the dark without trying to rush them toward the light." The nurse gave that to Erica, and now she passes it along to us. Thanks.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I knoooooow! I love that so so much!

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Rona Maynard's avatar

One of my favorite Beyond interviews so far. Now I love Erica too. “You’re not going to be for everyone” is excellent advice for writers.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooh, I'm so happy to hear this, Rona! Such a compliment coming from you! And, yes, excellent advice for writers!

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Kirie Pedersen's avatar

There's a fun saying maybe from Al-Anon: "What other people think about me is none of my business." Or Byron Katie, "If someone doesn't like me, I've been spared."

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

These are both wonderful, Kirie!!

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Wendy Chapman's avatar

I couldn’t love this more! What a treat to get to a glimpse into Erica’s outside -of-practice loveliness. 💚 I’m convinced she’ll be back here again once she’s written her own book. She’s just the voice so many women need right now.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I was thinking the same thing when I read this: Erica should write a book!! ❤️

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Rebecca's avatar

This was such a beautiful interview. I've forwarded it to my 16 year old daughter, who is considering being an OBGYN. Your words on kindness and service resonated with me, they are two of my most important values. Bless you in all you do.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so happy you were so moved by it, Rebecca! How lovely of you to share it with your daughter! ❤️

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Tess Marshall's avatar

This is the most beautiful interview I’ve ever read! I love what Erica says about kindness and service. I also read the same book twice and I’d read it a third time! Thank you Erica for all that you do!❤️👏❤️👏

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Tess! Yes, I loved that, too! ❤️❤️❤️

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Annabel Youens's avatar

Woah. I'm honored to meet you Erica. Thank you for supporting women in your job and in your life. ❤️

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So glad you enjoyed the interview, Annabel! ❤️

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Alice Elliott Dark's avatar

What a beautiful person.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I couldn't agree more, Alice! So happy you enjoyed the interview!

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Toni Brayer's avatar

This was a wonderful interview. What a balanced and giving person she is. It’s so gratifying to know she brings that view to her work and life and will affect so many others. Internal medicine here. With respect!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Toni! And I agree with everything you wrote. Erica is such a lovely soul!

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J. L. Sullens's avatar

Thank you for sharing your Erica, Jane! Such a lovely person!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So lovely! Happy you enjoyed the interview, J.L.!

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sherylo's avatar

Beautiful. I can see why you're proud of Erica.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Aw, thank you, Sherylo!

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Holly Starley's avatar

Oh, I absolutely love this interview. Kindness as presence. You won’t be for everyone. Being a dancing family. So much wisdom here!

Thank you, Jane. Thank you, Erica.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Holly!! Yes, so much wisdom!

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Amy Brown's avatar

What a beautiful human Erica is. A privilege to come to know her and her important work in the world.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I am so glad you enjoyed the interview, Amy! And I agree, Erica is a very beautiful human!

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Liz Alterman's avatar

I loved all of this, Jane and Erica, thank you so much for sharing. This really spoke to me "kindness isn’t about fixing. It’s about noticing."

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Liz! I love that line, too! So potent!

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Kirie Pedersen's avatar

I so loved this response, Erica and Jane! Line after line leapt out at me from this loving compassionate physician, mom, citizen. I hope a million people read it, so I'm posting to Notes. Like you, "When Breath Becomes Air" is a keeper. A hard copy sits right to my left on my bookshelf as I type this now. There was a guy who had "everything," in the prime of life, when he received his devastating diagnosis. He faced it with grace and recorded it for us. Thanks for reminding me and for your inspirational post.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooh, I love that, Kirie! I hope a million people read it, too! Thank you for sharing it! 🌸

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Imola's avatar

What an inspiring human being! Thank you for this beautiful share Jane.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So happy you enjoyed it, Imola!! xx

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Jolene Handy's avatar

What a beautiful interview! ❤️

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jolene! ♥️

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Jolene Handy's avatar

Xx

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