by Christopher Cornue

As many of you know, in 2008 I accepted the position of CEO of McKee Medical Center in Colorado. It was a wonderful opportunity, one I hadn't necessarily been seeking, but one that I was excited about and happy to accept.

What many of you may not realize is that my wife and young children (ages six and three) were unable to make the move from Chicago to Colorado due to the health of my wife's father. During the course of my time in Colorado, we attempted to make this transition happen but in the long run, were unable to do so.

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But with recent declines in my father-in-law's health intensifying the struggles associated with being established in two locations located so far apart, it became clear that such a transition wouldn't be possible in the foreseeable future. As a result, I tendered my resignation in early October and left at the end of that month.

Leaving an organization in which I had invested so much time and energy, and one in which we've had great successes, was a tremendously difficult decision. On the other hand, it was probably one of the easiest decisions I've made -- finally putting my family first and making a sacrifice that will only strengthen our family, especially during difficult times.

This very personal decision was validated by every staff member, physician, volunteer and community member during the past several weeks. Each consistently offered support -- further demonstrating the caliber of people with whom I've worked during the past year.

When I left, one of my dear team members gave me a copy of The Maxwell Daily Reader, by John C. Maxwell. It's a great leadership journal and I've been following it daily since she presented it to me. The passage for November 13 is titled "It's a Family Trip" and is taken from the book Your Road Map for Success.

It couldn't have been more timely. The author speaks about recognizing the importance of family and how they are what matter most to him ... not the job, or other distractions. He wrote, "When I reach the end of my days, I don't want Margaret, Elizabeth, or Joel Porter to say that I was a good author, speaker, pastor, or leader. My desire is that the kids think I'm a good father and that Margaret thinks I'm a good husband. That's what matters most. It's the measure of true success." How true.

My two passions will remain family and healthcare; I have no doubts. However, I learned a very important lesson in 2008 and 2009; to not focus solely on one passion at the expense of the other, because the imbalance will be too significant. I'm not certain what my future has in store for me professionally, but I find myself excited about those prospects, as I can once again pull on the strength of family. I'm regaining that balance that I had lost.

So, as we formally enter the holiday season this week, I wish for all of you what I am so excited to experience – a recognition of what is truly important in life, and the capacity to balance so that you never lose sight of it.

- Christopher Cornue is the former CEO of McKee Medical Center in northern Colorado, served as vice president at Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center in Chicago, and has held several leadership roles at the University of Chicago Hospitals.