“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong
man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The
credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred
by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short
again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings;
but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm,
the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best
knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he
fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never
be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
-- THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Dear Friends:
After months of reflection discussion and prayer, Amie and I have decided to
pull the plug on Garretson Wine Company. I am sure that you can appreciate that
this was not an easy decision to make...but it's one that, having now made it,
we are entirely at peace with.
There were a number of factors which led to this decision. Firstly, as you
are no doubt aware, the economy is in a shambles. That means it's gotten a whole
lot tougher to sell high-end wines, and that those folks that are buying our
wines aren't paying us in a timely manner. Secondly, the only way I've been able
to keep selling wine is to constantly be on the road. While I've not been one to
shirk from the title, "Road Warrior", it DOES get old...not to mention
awfully expensive.
And how it has taken its toll on my family. Before my last big road trip,
my son Thomas asked if I'd bring him home a big tube of Krazy Glue. When I
asked him why, he responded, "So I can glue your feet to the ground, and
you'll stop traveling so much." Ouch. Thom's now eight, and Jack is nine.
It's simply not worth my missing their childhoods to go out every Monday
and return home every Saturday.
Add to these factors that Amie and I both feel the time is right to look for
new opportunities both inside and out of California. What will really
determine our relocation plans will be where I can find a good job. While my
job search won't exclude the possibility of another position in the wine
business, I am open to other opportunities. Certainly, if you are aware of
any potential leads (in or out of the wine business) that you think I'd be
ideal for, I'd sure like to hear from you.
And I'd like to ask you for your prayers for my family during the start of
this new adventure. We value them...and your friendship!
Feel free to reach out...and rest assured we'll keep in touch, too.
With Love,
Mat & Amie Garretson
P.S. To those of you wondering how my decision will affect Hospice du Rhone,
let me answer with two words: it doesn't. HdR will continue on as it always has!
