End of Sept – busy busy

I’m slowing down in some areas, but concentrating on our daughter’s upcoming operation.
so, I’ve put the ‘Flash Sheet 001’ project on semi-hold. I’ll be doodling in a handy sketchpad when possible, so hopefully some new ideas might pop up, so it won’t go too quiet.* see next blog post for details.

My wife has set up a ‘GoFundMe’ page for Ocean, please click here to visit to donate (or share, or donate and share if you’re the crazy and reckless sort!
Up to date, 4 or 5 days after going live, some really kind friends from across the country, and a couple from overseas too (wow!), have kindly donated and the amount raised so far is £355 ! (we are SO grateful! God bless you all x)
There’s also loads more information about her operation and a little about why we’ve resorted to asking for outside financial help. We’ve only done a few sums to cover the next 18 months and it’s surprising how things add up. For example, clothes, apart from needing quite a few items because of size changes, some clothes we are aiming for are adaptive, like pyjamas, that can be put on/taken off easily with velcro fastenings or longer t-shirts. I could list more but I’m a bit tired, however, I’ll list (or Ocean will list in her blog, exactly where the money is being spent).

We’ve been trying to find other ways to fund things and some people have mentioned we might be able to apply for some grants to help with food etc which will be helpful if we qualify.
I’ve cut back on a few vices for quite some time, so that’ll help too. Also, Ronald Mcdonald House Charity will be able to provide us with accomodation for our stay in London. Every little bit is helping ease some of the obvious worry.
(any further advice gratefully received!)

Kind words

We’ve also had some really kind words, offers for help and assistance, messages of support and some helpful advice, which we’re VERY grateful for.
It’s been lovely to read people’s kind words, they are really helping.

The Positives!

I mentioned earlier we were reluctant to start a GoFundMe, we’ve had a tough 30 years together and apart from closest family, and on very rare occasions close-friend’s help, we’ve tried to go it alone, stay under the radar, but now I guess we’re finding it hard to push our cause ‘too far’. I suppose what I mean is, how much publicity is good publicity?
So, to explain, a kind friend mentioned perhaps the local paper might be interested in the story. Awesome! That will hopefully make the cause seen by more people, which is a good thing. Isn’t it?

Fear, trolls and judgy vultures.

Previous experience with my art and my disabilities, has shown that Trolls exist and judgy vultures exist in real life as well as faceless on the internet, the more publicity, the more the risks. Especially if you are a quiet family that used to be crazy and outgoing and a part of several communities, but again, through the fault of modern social interactions, judgment and fear, coupled with the trauma of Covid has become a different family, slowly working on their mental health, aiming to get through this latest challenge (Ocean’s op) before trying to re-trust the world around us.
I probably sound mental, but I’ve discovered a LOT about mine (and my family’s) historical mental health recently and it’s a lot to unpack, I can’t manage it quickly. I’ll do more early next year.
So, we feel broken, a few of us physically, (we’re not hypochondriacs, just unlucky but we soldier through, ready for the next battle!) so a little piece for the newspaper is a bit scary, but possible.
Still scary.
However, a very kind friend suggested tonight that he was thinking of Chris Moyles’ show on Radio X and that he sometimes features similar to Ocean’s story on his radio show.
It’s a fantastic idea, I’ve listened to C.M. for decades on and off and my brother is a BIG fan, but the idea PETRIFIES me. I definitely think that Ocean deserves the extra love and well wishing it would bring, I know she’d be overjoyed, she’s a very loving girl but loves getting some love back.
But….
I’m scared that it’ll bring out the trolls. Or escalate to local tv news. Ocean deserves it, but I couldn’t do it currently. Nor Vikki. As far as the trolls, I’m thick skinned about nasty comments, I get them all the time, but I am a bit fragile at the moment. I’d really like some advice on this.

More positives!

Ocean is a star, but I’ve already told you that. She is about to undergo serious spinal surgery, but she wants to engage and inspire others by starting a blog, partly about her everyday goings-on, but also to blog her progress through her surgery and beyond. I’m so proud of her!
Please take a couple of minutes to have a look at her very new blog:
Oceans of Emotions
She asked if I could draw a few illustrations for her, I did just that, so you’ll see a few of my doodles in amongst her work.
I must go now, I’m a bit tired, so sleep beckons.
Thanks for reading and again if you’ve donated thank you, if you haven’t, it’s your choice, but the link is above xxx Take care of each other, much love x