Last week, I made the wrenching decision to withdraw from the Country Living Fair in Nashville this April.
It was something I had thought about for a few weeks, often waking during the night stressing over it, but fought against as long as I could. Finally, I had to admit that it was the right thing to do.
It was the right thing to do because since late January, my husband has been seriously ill. He was in the hospital for a little more than 5 weeks and now is in a physical rehabilitation center, trying to get his strength and some medical stability back. I’m quite sure I needn’t tell you that it’s been a pretty grueling time for both of us.
We are private people; I’m not often comfortable spilling things of a personal nature and so that’s why this will come as a surprise to most of you. Fortunately for us both, we have a small but strong support network of friends and family who have been true godsends. Even in the midst of trying times, there is something to be grateful for.
But for obvious reasons, I have not been able to work much at all – even to the point of not being able to do my bookkeeping for 2014. In addition, in the middle of all this, our long-planned kitchen renovation kicked off a couple of weeks ago. So, I’ve had my hands pretty full lately.
Because I felt that I would not be well prepared for the show and because I am not sure that I will be able to go away from home for a week without worrying about the husband’s status, I decided that the better part of valor was to withdraw. I hated doing it because I was really looking forward to being in Nashville for the debut of what I am sure will be a fabulous show. I also hated doing it because I dislike withdrawing from a commitment; it’s just bad form. But, honestly, once the decision was made, I was relieved not to have that one particular bit of stress hanging over my head. My relief was magnified by the immense kindness the wonderful folks at Stella Shows (who put on the CL Fairs) showed me when I called to withdraw. It’s one more reason why I am very thankful to be a CL Fair vendor – to be able to work with such great people. I’m still hoping to be at the Fair in Rhinebeck, NY come June. At least now, I have some breathing room.
Hopefully, things are settling down a little and I will be back in my workshop very soon. I certainly am pining to be making something. This week, I had the electrician who is doing the kitchen work take care of an electrical problem I was having out there and I had to move a bunch of stuff. Maybe this weekend, I can get out there, get things organized, and get going on a new project.
Spring is here! We don’t feel it quite yet but the daffodils are beginning their show and hope stirs after a long, hard, cold winter. That’s the beauty of Winter – you know that, no matter what, Spring will come. And it will.
I thought you had been uncommonly quiet this winter, Cackie. Now I know why. I am sorry to hear about your husband’s illness, but very glad that, like spring, his strength is returning. Taking a little time to regroup is the wisest thing you could have done. Best wishes to you both.
Pam Funk
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Thank you, dear Pam, for your thoughtfulness. I am so glad to hear from you! Hope all is well with you and yours up north. xo, Cackie
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Good decision, I’m glad that weight is lifted! xx
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xoxo, I’m still gonna call you. Beware….and thank you.
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I wondered where you’d been Cackie! I’m so sorry to hear of your stresses and appreciate your sharing this so….now we know….and now we can send our well wishes to you and your husband while he continues his recovery. I’m coming your way for a visit soon, bringing a new local friend so she can see how “the rest of the world” lives! We’ll be attending the LGBG Plant Sale and the Ginter Park Tour among other things. Cannot wait! I thought of asking you to put us up, but once I saw you’re deep in kitchen reno, that was that! Hope I get to see you at least! I sent you an email (Yahoo) yesterday, by the way.
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Thank you, Cindy! All good thoughts and prayers accepted. Hope we can catch up a bit when you come to town. So sorry not to be hanging the guest room shingle out! xo, C
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So glad to hear that hubby is doing better! The kitchen will get renovated and look awesome! So now you have some time to…..breathe and take care of you! Funny, how sometimes the real decisions are sort of made for us. One step at a time…..hugs!
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Thank you, dear June. You are so right. I hope you are felling better your own self – I’ve been worried about you this winter. Sending hugs your way, xoxo, Cackie
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I’m sad for you and your husband, Cackie. I will hope for prayers and blessings and magic for you both. Hugs, Brenda
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Thank you so very much, Brenda. Hugs back, Cackie
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Hope things are getting better for you & yours…I don’t know you personally, but I feel like I do. I enjoy reading about your LOVELY crafts & the processes behind the beauty of them. Hope we hear from you soon ! Take care ! Tamara
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Dear Tamara-
Just when I was feeling in a bit of a funk, your lovely comment popped into my inbox. You can’t imagine how you have picked me right back up onto my feet. Thank you so very much for your warmth, encouragement, and taking the time wo reach out. Sending you virtual hugs, Cackie
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I hope spring improves life and health for you both! Tough times.
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Thank you so much, Susan. I hope that all is well for you these days as well! Cackie
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