I am also a little sad today. Joe had a heart attack almost 2 weeks ago and a lot has changed in how we view things in our lives and what is important. Yes, it's important to go to work, pay your bills, advertise to create more customers and keep our business growing but first we must take care of ourselves..a good friend said this to us the day Joe had his heart attack. I didn't realize the burden Joe was feeling to make this little cute Ice Cream Shop become a success or at least pay for itself. I see that I was quite selfish because I felt like I was doing my part in my job, providing the insurance and my part of the housework, bill paying, child-rearing. Wrong. Little did I realize that the more I stressed out I became at my job, the more it put pressure on Joe to do a better job of doing everything here and home.
The day Joe had his heart attack we both thought there was a chance that he may not make it through the heart cath when he got to Huntsville Hospital....that changes a person, inside and outside..and everyone around them.
It may take us a while to get to where we need to be as a family, which is part of growing and changing that we forever are doing. I have faith that we will get there and accept the fact that it will be a hard road full of crying and self doubt and looking in different directions to find the answers. I do know that Ice Cream will be a big part of it for now because we have a dream to finish.
~Kat
Here's to a fresh new year
ReplyDeleteAt Lake Gunterville's ice cream!
For while Kathleen and Joe
Had started living their dream,
With excitement and energy,
Intense drive, focus and care,
When their dream suddenly turned
Into a frightening nightmare!
While giving attention to
What to stock on the shelves,
Was made a common mistake:
Of neglecting themselves.
The long nightmare continued,
With hours of worry and fright.
While people who loved them,
Prayed all through the night.
As waiting for good news
Seemed forever to take,
Kathleen kept hoping
From this nightmare to wake!
Finally!! Joe made it!
Cries of relief came from his wife,
As they woke up and recalled,
What's most important in life!
Here's to second chances,
For Kathleen & Joe!
Not everyone gets them,
They most certainly know.
Family businesses are different
From big corps and such,
Long hours with loved ones
Give the personal touch.
As a family business owner,
I do know when I say,
Humor and patience
Can go a very long way!
But, the best advice I know
To keep living your dream,
Hug and Kiss your spouse every day,
And share some ice cream!
xx
PS One of my goals is to taste your ice cream in person! xx