Monday, April 7, 2008

What Do You Think, Mountain Man?

The final step in the decision-making process was a trip to Canada for Jeff and I together. It was a last minute decision for us to go on a moment's notice . . . but, it required us to leave our kids for the first time overnight. It was tragic for me.

I'd been to Toronto several times since I started managing the Canadian business in 2005 . . . and, although Jeff was the biggest supporter of the move to Canada . . . I needed him to SEE IT FIRST. Mountains replaced by skyscrapers. Humidity. Lots and lots of people. I warned him.

Here's the thing . . . we've talked, prayed, and talked some more. Ironically, Jeff didn't need the convincing. He was confident with the decision to move from the beginning. I was the one with the hesitations. What was best for the family? How would Autumn react? Would Jeff lose his mind at home?

The turning point for me came in our hotel room the 2nd night as I sat researching the local support for Gavin . . . I realized that Gavin would actually have MORE resources in Canada because of the size of the city. In fact, all of the pediatric neurosurgeons at Primary Children's - except one - were trained in Toronto. We discussed the move with our Utah doctors in depth - and each immediately praised the Toronto Children's Hospital for its world-class care.

So, even though I couldn't admit it to myself or to anyone else for a few more weeks (plus we had to negotiate the elements of the company's agreement) . . . the decision was clear.

When Gavin was born, we promised ourselves that his and Autumn's needs would always come first . . . no matter where we needed to go, what we needed to do, or how much it cost.

So . . . yes . . . we are moving to Canada.

4 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the move. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision. Maybe we will actually plan a visit, since we always had good intentions to visit you all in Utah again, but, it never worked out.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so glad you guys are going (not that you wont be missed) but it will be a great adventure for your family. Good luck and let me know if you need help packing, etc...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! How exciting. You will be so missed, but we know it is for the best. The countdown is on!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Karen, you always had that sense of adventure and always wanted to travel. Hopefully this move will be a very positive part of your lives. I know that the new experiences will be exciting to all of you. MOM

    ReplyDelete