Its my 10th McMurrayversary! I left my hometown, family, friends and everything familiar to come out here. I was picked up at the airport by the one acquaintance I had here, someone I had seen twice in the 25 years since we knew each other in high school. He brought me to his condo on Penhorwood (yes, that Penhorwood complex which has since been condemned) on his motorcycle, while my dog, Simon, and luggage followed in a cab (the cabby charged an extra $20.00 for the dog above the regular taxi fare!). It was cold and we drove through industrial Gregoire to his condo on the edge of downtown so all I saw was bleakness. I was missing my kids and I just wanted to turn around and go home. The next day, I saw my friend and housemate, a lawyer, gown up and deliver his arguments in court and then I was introduced to my first Japanese food at Fuji, which is now my favourite restaurant. Its nice to be called by name when we get there and everyone knows what we usually order. Fast forward 10 years: I cannot believe how well it has all turned out. My high school acquaintance, Al Vinni, is now my partner. My kids have all moved out to Alberta and lived with me at various times. They are in Edmonton, a 5 hour drive away. I had the opportunity to be Clinical Supervisor of Mental Health at our local hospital (Never would have happened back home!) and now I have a thriving private psychology practice. Al and I live on an acreage with a bright red barn, two horses and a Cairn Terrier who comes to work with me every day. I have started singing and acting. Thank you Fort McMurray, for the tremendous opportunities I have been given!
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:50:27 +0000
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