Saturday, June 13, 2009

Family First

Brent Sutter is a successful NHL coach in the middle of a re-building project with the New Jersey Devils. But last week, Sutter did the unthinkable in the eyes of most professionals - Sutter walked away from his job to be with his family 3,000 miles away.

"It might not be the right decision for some people," Sutter said, "and that's fine. I don't look at it like I am quitting on anything. I threw two years of my life and made a big commitment 3,000 miles away from where my life was and tried to do everything I possibly could to accomplish a goal. So by me doing that my life has suffered in other areas, and those areas to me are bigger than the game."

After spending several weeks deciding whether or not to return to the Devils, he finally decided to go home to run a family business and actually be with his family.

"I just wanted to make sure I never looked back and regretted it. To be quite honest, I had a decent sleep last night for the first time in seven weeks."

I don't anything about Sutter spiritually. But he made a decision few professionals make, choosing family over the pursuit of their career. And for that, I admire him and tip my hat to him.

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