Surprises of life
When I moved to Medicine Hat twenty-five years ago, I had no idea that I would love this city so much. Over the years, I have been able to build good relationships with wonderful people and build a business. My first two residential purchases were made here. How I have loved the view of the river from my condo and the fact that I could travel to practically any destination in ten minutes. Usually I describe Medicine Hat to others as “It’s just a big city.”
I never thought of leaving Medicine Hat, but sometimes life surprises us!
Each of my staff members shared their dreams for the future and this made me realize that things would soon change in my practice.
My oldest son, Rob, is a businessman with a computer background. For some time, he had been encouraging me to switch to a paperless software program designed for and by professionals. At first, I was hesitant, but then I began to recognize how it would be a great advantage for a single practitioner.
When my carpet in the condo started to roll a bit, the professionals who came to stretch it said I should consider installing a new carpet in a couple of years. That led me to think about painting again. I figured if I had to move a thousand pound piano and a full china cabinet then I could do both projects too.
Then came the unpredictable COVID-19. I moved home for several months, tried to go back to the office for a few weeks in the summer of 2020, and then ended up working from home again. Interestingly, clients started asking if they could continue virtual therapy after the office reopened. They liked the fact that they could have their dates without having to drive or park.
All of this led to a couple of weeks before Mother’s Day when I made a simple one-line prayer. “God, what do you want me to do?” Two days later, on April 28, my twenty-six-year-old grandson texted me with a video attached. It said “You should move here! Stay close to us! It’s so nice and totally your style.” It was then that things really changed.
On Mother’s Day my son and his fiancé came to see me and she helped me set up the JANE program that she uses in her Saskatoon therapy practice. My condo sold in nine days and I bought the one in Calgary’s Westman Village that my grandson recommended. We cut everything in the office and at home, giving, selling and moving items. There was a ton of paperwork to complete!
And now is exactly two months later. I write this in the office of my daughter who lives in Okotoks. She and her family have been helping with the final packing and we will meet the movers tomorrow as it is my date of possession of the new condo.
As I said goodbye to the community, I have been asked many questions. Will I be retiring? Heavens NO! I love my job and the pandemic just changed the way I do it. Thanks to the virtual options, my clients affirm that they will continue as clients. One said, “We don’t really know where you are anyway!”
Will I keep writing on paper? Absolutely. (As long as the editors want me).
What will change besides my location? Well, my new residence has many amenities and opportunities for fun and exercise. It is not just a condo, but a lifestyle!
And I will miss Medicine Hat! Definitely!
Funny how life offers surprises when you least expect them.
Ask yourself what awaits you around the corner! Won’t it be fun to find out?