Testimonies not Trophies – Words from a Spa Pioneer
- Published: Saturday, March 31st 2007
- in Living Well
My final thought on Canada…It has become even clearer to me why the only spa I have ever been to (about 4 years ago) where I felt I could stay for months at a time was in Canada. It’s the genuineness and friendliness of the people that is so nurturing and healing. This was definitely the case with the Hills Health Ranch.
The Hills Health Ranch in Calgary, run by owners Juanita and Pat Corbett, routinely has guests who stay for months at a time. On the final evening of the Leading Spas of Canada conference in Toronto this year, I had the privilege of sitting next to Pat and Juanita at the dinner gala. I checked in with them to see if people are still staying for long periods of time at The Hills. The answer? More and more. In fact, they have one guest there right now who is booked in for six months!
And just a side note for those of you who know the Corbetts…Juanita had been very ill in the past year with a dreadful and painful gallbladder problem. But with good medical attention, a full commitment to all of the healthy habits they teach at the Ranch, lots of prayer, and Pat serving as dedicated husband and nurse, Juanita is healthy again and looking great. It is no doubt that she was close to death during this time and she is more than happy to share some of what she learned during this trial.
As she said, she now lives “not for trophies but for testimonies”. The people whose lives she influences through her work at the ranch are her greatest reward. Fittingly, she was given an award that evening from the Leading Spas of Canada for all of her dedication to the organization. It seems that her life will be filled with testimonies and trophies.
