Yesterday, I posted on my Facebook that I declared my house alcohol free. I got some pretty snick comments and a few very nice ones. And I got a few “thumbs up” as well. My mom doesn’t have a Facebook account but I know she has to be proud of me.
About a month after I had my heart attack, I was back to swigging beer. My Checker’s mom (Diane) saw me and my biological mom heard about it (thanks a lot Steph!!) and boy, I never heard the last of it. That night as many of you DON’T know, I did wound up back in the hospital the result of a reaction from the beer to the blood pressure medicines.
No, I wasn’t drunk; I don’t get drunk! My massive frame seems to hold alcohol pretty well. What it doesn’t goes down the toilet! I don’t know if its the result of some 40 years of the “good stuff” or not but the fact of the matter is among some of the changes I had/have to make because of my heart attack, this is one of the harder ones. Not the hardest…just one of the harder!
Lately, I’ve had some time to sit back, think and reflect on life. I’ve thought about some of the additional changes I could make and why. Cutting out alcohol is one. They say a glass of red wine a day is good and healthy. Yea, true! That’s not the problem! Its expensive, empty calories (I have been trying to lose 10 lbs. since oohhhhhhhh I can’t remember!), a toxic substance in one’s body and can cause someone to be more prone to making errors in judgment (see above). And my problem is I can’t seem to moderate it! So in that respect, the healthy aspect goes out the window with the 2nd FULL 8 oz. glass!
So when I mentioned it to Steph, she said “but I like a glass on wine!”. Good for you honey, hide it in the trunk of your car and go in the back of the garage (remember mom’s friend, Sam, and the flask of scotch he kept in the trunk of his). And you won’t have to worry about it staying cold in the winter either. I’ll even compromise and plow you a path to the back of the garage! But if you truly love someone, you’ll share the pain and the change especially for the better and for your own benefit.
- “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” – John 14:12
Follow me on Twitter 
I am proud of you Sam. All the changes you are making since your heart attack are to your benefit in so many ways. They will also have an impact on everyone else’s life. Things done in moderation may be fine for some but for others it is just an open door for problems. You have had a life changing experience that is having very positive effects. I am in the “cheering section” of your life my friend. What a great post!
Don’t listen to the naysayers Sam. There will always be a few who will try to shoot you down. I too am in your cheering section with Evelyn. We can scream much louder than those who disagree. Nobody knows your body better than you and you are the one who has to live with yourself. I give you a hearty (cyber) pat on the back!
Good for you Sam. Funny how people will take pot shots at you when you make a life decision. It happens when people decide they want to lose weight or get out of debt. There will always be those who will be negative about it but that’s their problem.
I think your decision to abstain from alcohol is an Excellent choice. I don’t think anyone took a “pot shot” at you Sam. I agree that you should not drink. Having the heart attack and Blood pressure issues. Plus you named some other good reasons that are personal to you, trying to lose the last 10 pounds, and moderation problems. I mean you did end up back at the hospital w/a reaction w/ your meds. Sam you know me well enough that you know I would never cut you down. The people that think I did do NOT know me. You put it on facebook so it is out there for comment. why would you delete it and then repost it? It is healthy conversation.Not hurtful. What works for you and Steph in your home is all that matters. I simply commentedand you removed.
Sam, I’ve enjoyed sharing your journey with you and am amazed at your perseverance to do all the right things for the right reasons. Sorry to hear you ended up back in the hospital again because of a reaction of alcohol with your BP meds…You are still one of the best health conscious people I know! Hang in there!
Laurie
Hi Sam,
I think negative reactions to your post on facebook would be from people who don’t know the context. It’s a statement that can come across as “holier-than-thou” and people get defensive, afraid you could be judging them for still consuming alcohol. I know when I saw your fb post, I wasn’t sure how to react, and I had to think about the context.
This will be a challenge, and I pray blessings on your efforts. It’s because you want to live long and BE a blessing, that you take on this newest adjustment. May you be strengthened in your resolve, in your faith, in your marriage, and in your life through this!
Affectionately your friend!
Liz H (from HJ)