Pneumonia…

If you’ve noticed a bit of a lull in the blog lately, it’s because I’ve been in hospital with a pretty serious Pneumonia since last week Monday and we’ve had to resort to posting some ‘stock’ from the ‘Ask Vicente’ pile.

After much prodding and draining, an operation on my lung and lots of resting I am now in the recovery phase and breathing is getting easier. I hope to be released this coming Monday and after almost two weeks here – as much as everybody in the hospital have been just so nice and almost saintly with their kindness and their devotion – I want to get the hell out of here! It’s reached a stage where I feel like I’m part of the inquisition and I am sick of being tortured – even though it is all for my own good.

You know, day by day we go through with our little inconveniences and annoyances and keep accepting whatever comes our way, but when you get really sick, it puts into perspective what it is that is really important.

It’s the friend that’s there for you, it’s the client who says, “don’t worry about it, we’ll install the job when you’re better”, it’s the supplier that jumps in to try to make things go smoothly, and it’s the wonderful employees who really try to keep everything on an even keel. And when you have other clients that say ‘I don’t care if he’s sick but I want my furniture’, you realize that whatever the amount of money you’re making, it doesn’t pay, because in the end it’s about dealing with good people who are empathetic, kind and who want to be a partner with you in good times and bad.

This entry was posted on October 15, 2009, 1:32 pm and is filed under Random. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

#1 by Carl on October 15, 2009 - 1:53 pm

Be well Mr. Wolf. You are an inspiration on many levels.

Carl Barnett

Quote

#2 by laura on October 15, 2009 - 2:05 pm

so glad to hear you’re feeling better! we all missed you at the talk last week in your showroom (which was really great either way).

:O)

#3 by Geli on October 15, 2009 - 2:16 pm

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and get well soon!

#4 by Silva on October 15, 2009 - 2:22 pm

Dear Vicente,
so sorry to hear that you were suffering this past couple of weeks.I wish you a good recovery and take care of yourself.
Silva

#5 by Mimi Smith on October 15, 2009 - 3:57 pm

So happy you are doing better- when you are ill it is best to ignore anyone who doesn’t have YOUR best interests at heart.

#6 by rebecca on October 15, 2009 - 4:03 pm

Thoughts and prayers for a continued speedy recovery.

#7 by Sonya on October 15, 2009 - 4:03 pm

Sorry to hear you’ve been so sick, and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Your blog posts are always insightful, thank you.
Take care.

#8 by christina on October 15, 2009 - 4:25 pm

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Hope you can feel all the
AFFECTION that so many of us feel for you. Wish I could send
you some chicken soup thru your email. Sending you good energy so that you will heal completely and be back in your loft
before you know it.

#9 by The Countrypolitan on October 15, 2009 - 4:40 pm

I avoid hospitals and doctors offices like the plague… you can get sink there!

But seriously, I’m glad to hear you are on the up side of getting well. Take care… you are in our thoughts and prayers.

#10 by Jan on October 15, 2009 - 4:59 pm

So sorry to hear that.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

#11 by victoria on October 15, 2009 - 5:52 pm

Dear Vicente,

Sounds like you have been through hell. So glad you are starting to recuperate. Hope you feel all the caring coming at you from people like me who have never met you, but have come to know you a bit both through your work and your blog. Take care of yourself, and remember that your health comes first….all else will fall into place.

Best,
Victoria

#12 by viera on October 15, 2009 - 6:02 pm

Vicente, I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Wish you speedy recovery. Take a good care of yourself.
Viera

#13 by Victoria Zlotkowski on October 15, 2009 - 6:26 pm

Dear Vicente,
I am happy to hear that you are on your way to get home soon and back into your life…

All the good karma for you!
XX
Victoria

#14 by Faith Sheridan on October 15, 2009 - 6:40 pm

Glad to learn you are on the mend…enjoy the pampering. You deserve it.

Faith

#15 by dean on October 15, 2009 - 6:59 pm

to a speedy recovery……

#16 by judith Thibaut Interiors on October 15, 2009 - 7:07 pm

Oh my .. .
it sounds as if you’ve really been through it!
Sending you hugs -
Judith

#17 by Trish on October 15, 2009 - 7:45 pm

So sorry you’ve been sick. But it’s nice that it brings out the best in the best of the people you know. Hope you mend quickly. You’re one of our design world’s “national treasures”. Trish

#18 by Bozena on October 15, 2009 - 7:46 pm

Sorry to hear about your illness.
Recover smoothly and return quickly to the wonderful work you do.
And fire those uncompassionate clients! ;D

#19 by Jose on October 15, 2009 - 10:38 pm

Vicente , espero que este mejor de salud. Soy un fanatico de usted de hace mucho tiempo, desde que era socio del Sr.Patino (qepd). Sus espacios siempre me han seducido y me dan un sentimiento de paz. Mucha salud y un pronto restablecimiento. Un abrazo;
Jose

#20 by todd haley on October 15, 2009 - 10:49 pm

sometimes we have to get ill to slow down and take stock of our life. where we came from; where we are in the present and where we want to go in the future — then it truly becomes clear to us about who and what really matters most in our life. and i’d fire those clients who put their furniture delivery above another human beings health and well-being, they do not deserve your talent.

#21 by Jackie Von Tobel on October 15, 2009 - 11:16 pm

I am so sorry you’ve been so under the weather but happy to hear that you are feeling well enough to post. I will send out some good thoughts for your swift recovery. I hope you get out of the hospital soon so you can recuperate at home surrounded by friends and family. I agree hospitals are no fun.

#22 by Tabitha Dantzler on October 16, 2009 - 12:10 am

I’m so sorry to hear you have been sick and in the hospital, but it’s good news that you are getting better and will be coming home soon. Well wishes to you!!

#23 by Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions on October 16, 2009 - 6:56 am

Hope you are well on the way to recovery, Vicente! The longest I was ever in the hospital was last year ~ appendicitis. Four days and I couldn’t wait to get the heck out of there. I hope your home soon.

#24 by susie q on October 16, 2009 - 8:11 am

I’ll pray for you. Rest. I hope you’re well soon.

#25 by My Notting Hill on October 16, 2009 - 8:13 am

Glad to hear that you are getting better, it sounds like a serious case. I was in ICU with pneumonia ten years ago – be careful to take it really slowly when you leave the hospital. I’m sure the Drs will tell you that but it really is true. Wishing you the best, Michele

#26 by Barbara Cole on October 16, 2009 - 8:59 am

I too, wish you a speedy recovery and a quick release from the hospital so you can get back in familiar surroundings and completely rest and heal. I agree with Todd Haley, the clients that don’t put your health before their furniture don’t deserve your talents.

Barbara Cole

#27 by Marcia Smith on October 16, 2009 - 11:26 am

Dear Vincent,
We met several years ago at the Boston Design Center.
I look forward to reading your blog every day and continually learn from it. I forward your insights on to other design colleagues and am grateful that you are so giving with your knowledge and insight.
My best wishes for a quick recovery….I would echo others who say to listen to your body and take it easy once your are released.
Be well,
Marcia Smith

#28 by Paula Grace on October 16, 2009 - 1:16 pm

Wow Vicente ~ I’m glad you are on the mend. What an ordeal. Yes, these things make us focus and really appreciate the kindness all around us and want to leave the rest behind. I wish you well.
Paula Grace

#29 by Andrea V. on October 16, 2009 - 2:24 pm

Vicente! To think that you still were concerned about updating the blog says so many things about your true-blue character. You are too incredible! I am so touched by the thought of you being so deeply committed to us internet strangers. I mean, it’s just really, really a sweet gesture. I am in awe!

Sending good thoughts, well wishes and all hopes of a speedy recovery to you.

Andrea

#30 by Shani on October 16, 2009 - 2:53 pm

Sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery! Rest well and take care of yourself.

#31 by donna on October 16, 2009 - 4:16 pm

Best wishes for a very speedy recovery.

#32 by suzy on October 16, 2009 - 4:40 pm

Best wishes for a good and lasting recovery.

#33 by Ruth Staalsen on October 16, 2009 - 8:39 pm

Glad to hear you are getting better. Very true about the people that stand by you when things go crazy. One year ago exactly, my husband was in a severe motorcycle accident and almost lost his life. I cared for him for 4 months at home and it was really hard. If it hadn’t been for understanding clients that allowed me to put jobs on hold, friends that brought me meals, neighbors that took my kids to school, I wouldn’t have survived. You do find out who your true friends are that’s for sure. Blessings to you Vicente, you deserve the best.

#34 by Kristin@Bouelvard Interior Design on October 16, 2009 - 9:40 pm

That is very sick. I had a very close, young, healthy friend lose a portion of her lung due to pneumonia. Glad to hear you are better. Nothing like being seriously ill to have perspective slap you in the face. I think the reactions of family, friends, associates, and clients to be enlightening when one is experiencing an illness or difficult challenge. I hope you take your time to fully recover. I know it can take some time.

#35 by A French Cloud on October 17, 2009 - 12:44 am

Being sick sucks…no fun at all. So glad to read you’re feeling better–that’s way too long in a hospital! I make a magical chicken soup…I’ll be right over

#36 by Tareq on October 17, 2009 - 5:55 am

Very sorry to know that you are not feeling well. You are absolutely right, when one is not feeling well, things do seem different and your outlook changes. I just wish we could see things in the same perspective everyday and set our priorities straight. At the end it is having “real” people in yor life.

#37 by Michelle Zuniga on October 17, 2009 - 1:59 pm

Vicente,

Very sorry to hear you are in the hospital. I remember sitting by my child’s bedside when he had pneumonia- it was hard. Glad to hear the doctors and nurses are taking good care of you. I am sure you have an awesome staff who are there for you and will take care of your business. My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery! BTW- glad I found your blog, love your work!

Hugs-
Michelle Zuniga
Zuniga Interiors

#38 by karola on October 17, 2009 - 3:08 pm

Get well!

#39 by lenorenevermore on October 18, 2009 - 6:01 am

Speedy recovery VW!
Take organic honey with ginger tea…
& of course have as much rest as possible okie*

xo*

#40 by Barbara Kaslow Designs on October 18, 2009 - 11:10 am

I am so glad you are on the mend. I completely agree with your insights, I had breast cancer last year. I was really comforted by
friends who wanted to keep me going by having lunch and dinner
as I was being treated but living in my apt. Everything else fell away except my dogs and getting on with my life.

I design fabric, and saw you at the D&D in a panel discussion
and I also remember meeting you in the 80′s when I worked for a decorator who worked with you. I look forward to your blog!
All the Best!

#41 by Emily on October 18, 2009 - 11:19 am

We wish you a speedy recovery Vicente. Get some rest and hang in there!

Material Girls Blog

#42 by Willow Decor on October 18, 2009 - 4:56 pm

So glad you are on the mend and you are lucky are to be surrounded by people that care about you. Take it slow.
xx-Gina

#43 by Leslie Rowlands on October 18, 2009 - 7:30 pm

Bless you! How lucky you were to catch it before it worsened. My family lost a friend to a pneumonia / illness a few weeks ago; just kept getting worse. God speed & a quick recovery. I also wanted to comment; after a quick Kansas City trip over the weekend, I was browsing “A passion for Collecting” by Caroline Clifton-Mogg…… owned for several years and gone through and dog eared for quite sometime. As my collecting and the intensity for collecting has evolved I was very intrigued when you were mentioned as an enthusiast collector by the author. It is fun to see I have admired your work and before the blogging, I never connected the dots! I was introduced to your blog by mention on Rhonda’s blog. Small world, love the collections in the book & your blog! Wishing you R & R ……
Leslie Rowlands
(aka) Lamaisonfou blog

#44 by Vanessa Francis on October 18, 2009 - 11:53 pm

Vicente,
Wishing you a speedy recovery and future clients who have a heart!
Look forward to more inspiring posts when you have fully recovered.
Take care,
Vanessa

#45 by schematic life on October 19, 2009 - 8:09 am

Here’s to getting back to normal soon!! I bet you’d like nothing more.

Best,
Michelle

#46 by Blog Author(s) on October 19, 2009 - 9:09 am

Hope you’re feeling better, back at it & up an at ‘em soon. Sunlight will speed things along & help loads.

Cheers,
Someone you don’t know named Jane.

#47 by Rekha on October 19, 2009 - 10:22 am

Get well soon

#48 by Emmy on October 21, 2009 - 10:29 am

I’m so sorry to hear about your illness…it’s a terrible feeling to be sick and not your happy self:) Take one day at a time. I went through my own ordeal with doctors and medical treatment. It’s opened my eyes to healthcare in general. Stay Positive!!! And surround yourself with the right support…like this blog:) Get well soon!

#49 by katiedid on October 21, 2009 - 6:30 pm

I am sorry you were so sick! But feel better that you had so many friends, family and work associates surround you with tender care. Take it easy and I hope you are well soon!