Health Update
I was NOT at the Chicago Bridal Market last month for the first time in 30 years. And anyone who saw me hobbling around at The Weehawken Popup Show last week knows that something is wrong. And this is the bridal industry where a rumor travels faster than a California wildfire, so let me start right here:
I am “okay” and am going to be fine!
But I have been dealing with some serious back issues for 3 months now and am struggling mightily. I am not per se in bad pain, as long as I sit down. Which is what I do 98% of every waking hour… setting the timer on my phone for every 30 minutes to remind me to stand up (I learned a long time ago that it’s not good to sit for too long at one stretch).
The problem is that whenever I stand up for more than 2 minutes, my legs and feet hurt so bad that I have to sit back down and so the cycle begins again… 30 minutes at a time all day long.
How I made it through the Weehawken Show in a miracle in itself, and I had some amazing help from 2 very special people in my life. They will remain nameless, but they will be reading this blog and they know who they are, and what I think of them. And my models are the best and most helpful gals who ever looked gorgeous in a gown, and I had tons of extra help so I made it… and hobbled on home. And the show was tremendous (business wise) and I had a very good Chicago Show as well (Thanks to those who covered for me there as well!).
Unfortunately I need back surgery to get better. The good news is that I had originally been mis-diagnosed ,and thought I was going to need a pretty serious type of back surgery. But thanks to a 2nd opinion from a new surgeon, I have a new diagnosis which requires a less invasive type of back surgery than the one I’ve been worrying about for the past 12 weeks.
Now back surgery is still “back surgery” and nothing is guaranteed. But the prognosis is VERY good for a FULL recovery and a return to the normal, active person that you’ve known me as for all these years.
The problem is I need the surgery NOW, and I can’t delay it until after this season’s road trip. My hope is to have it in the next 4 weeks, and I expect to be reasonably well by Christmas, and 90% back to full strength by the time the next season starts with Chicago Market in March 2022.
Which brings to the crux of my blog post. I WILL NOT BE TRAVELING TO STORES THIS SEASON. I have spoken to both of my bosses and they have been wonderful… and 100% supportive in my decision. I work for terrific companies and want to thank them publicly for all of their support over the past few months… as well as in my decision.
As mentioned… I had 2 great shows so it’s not like I have 100 stores I need to visit anyway. But there are many key accounts who just couldn’t make it to either market - and whose stores I do visit every season. I did phone many of them before making my final decision, and they were wonderful. They were more than willing to work virtually this season via email, Zoom, phone, etc. and they were so compassionate and understanding that they made this difficult decision significantly easier. They know who they are and I want to thank them again for their encouragement and support. I have done this job for 35 years now and have NEVER missed a road trip (Except for F21 - the season of Covid-19 where there WAS no road trip.) I pride myself in visiting the stores who prefer to work with me in person. And this past week was a lovely reminder of the relationships I have built over these many years. I LOVE my customers!
I will be sending out emails this week to everyone who did not write their orders at market… with everything they will need to review the collections they carry and prepare for an upcoming virtual meeting. This will include image files, price list files, e-catalogs, videos, and pertinent information about some special things that are happening this season.
My hope is to publish another blog post after my surgery, with an update on my health. I am a VERY lucky man and have much to be thankful for. I am a cancer survivor and have recovered from a condition far more serious than this particular issue. I have a wonderful family and particularly the most supportive wife imaginable. We have been married over 45 years and believe it or not… I am not the best patient who has ever lived. My absolute plan is to be back doing Bikram Yoga full time in January, and being in Chicago in March. Who knows…. you may even see me on the dance floor one evening there - just to say I was. I wish I actually knew how to dance, but it will mark a great end to this particularly journey.
Bottom line is no one need feel sorry for Howard Grass. Your thoughts and prayers however will be most appreciated. Till next time.
Peace and Love,
H
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