In June 2008 when my business partner, Gail, and I opened our physiotherapy clinic, the plan was to work together until one of us retired. Although starting a new business has its share of stressors, we got through it all by relying on each other and using our complementary skills. Gail was the yin to my yang and we made an excellent team.
We enjoyed nearly seven great years working side by side and enjoying each other’s company. We shared ideas, stories, and most of all laughter. When Gail was diagnosed out of the blue with an inoperable incurable brain tumour in February of 2015 we were all completely stunned. How could someone so vibrant and positive be stricken down so cruelly?
While the rest of us alternately cried, brooded, and raged about the diagnosis, Gail took it in stride and, despite losing her ability to speak very early on, still managed to retain her essential positive Gail-ness. Rather than wallowing in self-pity she spent her time as she always did – looking out for the rest of us. She worried about her family and friends. She worried about me dealing with the business on my own. She worried about who was going to treat all of her clients. Most of all she loved with a kindness of heart that is rare on this earth.
When it became apparent that I was going to have to carry on without her I made the difficult decision to go forward as a sole proprietor. While it has been extremely challenging to manage everything in the midst of Gail’s deterioration and subsequent death in February 2016, I have pushed forward knowing she is with me and that she would have wanted me to be happy.
This new location is the culmination of months of blood, sweat, and a whole lot of tears but I think it has been worth it. I have learned a lot along the way – who knew there were so many different colours of grout or how much a power door opener cost? Although the décor may have changed, the quality of care has not. My colleagues and I will still be providing you with the individual attention for which we have become known. I hope you will share the journey with me as I venture into the wonderful world of sole proprietorship. Please let me know what you think of the new location and web site.
