23 Comments
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Charlie Brown's avatar

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's infection Vicky. I understand exactly what you're saying about wine too, I feel it as well.

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

Thanks Charlie, I appreciate the support.

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Catania Larson's avatar

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.

Your post reminds me of something I just heard. I'm currently listening to Al Pacino's memoir. For what it's worth, I'm not finished. But he talked about how, after his mother and his grandfather passed away, alcohol helped him cope. He said it like it was a good thing - not with apologetics, but that wine helped him through that time.

I found that to be an interesting admission.

Anyway. I am sending good, healing vibes to your husband and you.

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

Thank you Catania Larson (what an awesome name!)

The good news is that things for my husband have improved considerably since I wrote this post - he's basically healed but now "just" contending with the new reality of only having 50% vision. Still, worse things happen at sea - and we have wine!

Btw, your project sounds WILD. I cannot imagine tasting wine for the first time in my 40s (I was knocking back champagne with my parents at 13) - hope you're enjoying the journey so far!

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Catania Larson's avatar

Thank you. Great news!

Yes, I do feel like I’m learning a lot on this little Zero to Vino project!

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Michaela K Rodeno's avatar

"To ground myself when everything else feels like fear." This is what gives me hope in these uncertain times in the USA. I hope your husband has a quick and complete recovery.

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

Thanks Michaela x

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Kevin Ferguson's avatar

So sorry to hear about your husband's condition and I'm hoping for the best of outcomes. 🙏🏻 One more thing to add to your list of reasons to drink wine: to celebrate our Italian/Sicilian heritage.

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

Thanks Kevin - fortunately wine is good for many things!

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Stacey Midge's avatar

Woof, what a challenging time! But also a beautiful reflection on the role of wine in mindfulness, and finding solidity in the midst of uncertainty. I hope your husband gets the medical help he needs and comes through this well, and that you have the support you need as well, in addition to the wine of course.

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

Thanks Stacey - also for including my piece in this week's Grapevine!

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Toni Bellanca's avatar

Looking forward to hearing that he’s out of the woods and fully on the road to recovery. In the meantime, lean on ALL your friends as much as you need to. That’s what they’re there for. 😘

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

Thanks Toni. I fear this "recovery" is going to be a bit like covid lockdown: you want this one moment when everyone can hug again, but in reality it's baby steps. Seeing two people, seeing five people, keeping slightly less distance. Until eventually, after a year or so, things are sort of "normal" (although you'll never kiss any Dutch person three times ever again).

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Toni Bellanca's avatar

Never heard of anything like what you guys are going through. So crazy. Keep the faith: it may be baby steps, but you’re walking them towards resolution and relief. 😘

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Corinne Kovalsky's avatar

What a wonderfully written post. I find myself nodding yes to everything you've included. I hope that you get good news on the medical front. Wine also pairs well with quiet sunsets that can transport you, even for a minute or two, to a more peaceful place.

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

Thanks Corinne. Ironically, any quiet sunsets will be by myself - Mike can't even be in sunlight at the moment! 😭

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Kate Reuschel's avatar

I’m so sorry. I hope he has found really good eye doctors. But you are correct in all the point of why we drink wine. Every year since cancer I open sparkling wine to celebrate being alive- because the future is certainly mot certain for me. The day after I finished all my treatments we opened Champagne. For all the good events, parties, holidays we open wines. For the sad nights when things are overwhelming I drink wine to just help me sleep through anxiety. Wine is a constant friend. One who never leaves my side through the good, the bad and the terrifying. 💕 sending love and light!

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

I know too many people my own age or younger who have been seriously ill recently. I don't think any of us can take life for granted. Seize the day and open that bottle!

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Kate Reuschel's avatar

Amen my friend. Since cancer and my brand new mystery heart disease I was so lucky to find out about when I woke up from surgery- my goal is to live for today as tomorrow is not a guarantee. No more saving anything for the future. Well- other than our plans to move to Portugal! Ha!

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

I still have faith you'll reach your Portuguese dream!

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Kate Reuschel's avatar

I think we will also, just have to be patient until it is the right time to go.

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Dave Baxter's avatar

Hope the news is good now that your home and he's getting treatment! Great write up, though I don't want to celebrate the torture it took it make it happen :P

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Vicky Hampton's avatar

We're lucky to live in a country with good healthcare and even better friends! I think it'll be a long road to recovery, but he'll get there...

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