This year started off with a lot of creative energy and hope for me. I set out my goals early in January and started work on them right away. I felt so productive! And then my world changed.
Thank you. And yes, there's a big part of me that wants to return to normal while realizing everything has changed. I feel encouraged by the fact that my dad is making small strides every day. They will add up!
Sorry you and your family are going through this. I'm glad your dad is OK and one the road to recovery. I'm impressed you are able to stay creative. I'm going through a different struggle with my elderly mom (94), and sometimes I'm so overwhelmed. Wishing you all the best.
Oh I'm so sorry Melissa. I've been thinking about how I knew this day was coming, but I didn't think it would be *now.* I could see it on the horizon. Then I blinked and the horizon was suddenly right here smacking me in the face.
I wonder can you ever really be ready? It feels like a terrible rite of passage, this parent-child role reversal. It's physically and emotionally exhausting in such a profound way. How could anyone not feel overwhelmed? All I know is I never want to go through it again, but I will. We may have dodged a bullet this time, but another is coming. I worry he won't fully recover and it will be like this from here on out.
I'm not sure I feel very creative, but I feel like I've lost so much time, I have no choice but to try to make make make. Just need to get started, haha!
Thanks, Jennifer. We can do it! We'll get through this. What choice do we have, right? I wish I were more prepared, but I guess like life in general, there is only so much we can do -- life is pesky like that.
Very true. And I'm happy to report that it's still possible to get lost in art! I dusted off one of my projects from January and I can say that after a little time getting reacquainted, it felt right to be back at work!
Peace is so fragile! So glad your dad is on the road to recovery, and that you were able to be there for him during his hospital stay. This is a tough job but the flexibility in times like these is a blessing. Sending you creative energy!
Thank you, Jessica. I'm still reeling with how much has changed. But every day gets a little better and I'm staying hopeful.
And yes, I was so glad for the flexibility, and for being able to work from my iPad. Lately it's felt important to incorporate more traditional art into my process, to carve out a path that is intrinsically human in this day of machine learning and large language models. This was a reminder that mobility is important for me, too, and to make sure my process reflects that.
All good wishes for your dad's recovery. It's frightening how quickly we can loose our health, and how long it takes to gain it back. Don't forget to take care of yourself, too. All that stress and worry affects a body, and you'll need to rest and recover right along with your dad.
Thank you, and so true! I'm still reeling from how quickly he lost so much. I think we all thought that getting home would signal a return to normalcy, but it's just brought a different set of challenges. Still, there are little improvements every day and each one is worth celebrating! I'm not sure I'm managing the stress as well as I could, but I did start weight training after all this, so I'm finding some ways to take extra care of myself. 💕
Jennifer, I’m sending all my best wishes for your father to have a full recovery! My gosh what a difficult and scary period for you all. Thank you for educating me about the pancreas further. We had many wonderful angels for my parents as well. Thank goodness for caregivers, hospital workers, and those we didn’t know we needed at some of the worst times. May you continue to give yourself all the time you need for you and your family! My thoughts are with you!
Thank you so much Shirley. 💕 I've been fortunate to not really have to deal with this kind of thing until now. As you know, it takes such an emotional and physical toll. I kept getting alerts from my watch showing how my activity was going down and my resting heart rate was going up. It felt like being in the hospital was sucking the life out of all of us! But at the same time, my heart was so full from all of the kindness of the nurses and staff. They were so patient and supportive. Whatever they're being paid, it isn't enough!
I feel that stress from reading your words (so sorry!) The times I felt panicky I was so grateful for my family to also make sure I was taking care of me too. Yes, they all need far better pay! They are true heroes/angels on earth. You take good care of yourself now (hugs) and hope your dad continues to get the best care, and hooray that he is home! 💕
Yes, friends and family have been such a comfort. It's funny how small your world gets. You zoom in on what's really important in a situation like this. And you start to see the relationships you've built—who shows up, who offers to help, who sends a kind word. Makes you realize how important community is and to remember not to take it for granted! 💕
Best wishes for your dad's full recovery and for you getting back into the groove with your projects. I love the image of the dog and his shadow you chose for this post.
Received your email in my inbox and my heart goes out to you and your Dad. I'm glad to hear he is through the worst. Best wishes for a strong and full recovery.
Thank you Andrea. I appreciate your kind words. It's gonna be a long process, but I'm feeling encouraged that he will be able to mostly get his life back.
I’m sorry to hear the news about your father, I can’t imagine how stressful and scary must have been. Wishing you and your family the best in recovery xx
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s health issues. I hope he is on the road to recovery. You were very smart to put everything on hold, and handle what you felt was more important. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you, Rhonda. A while back Katie Chappell mentioned juggling a lot of balls and realizing some were glass, but others were rubber. That stuck with me. I dropped all the rubber balls. And it's comforting to know I can pick them back up again.
Life is complicated. Congratulations on finding the energy to pop in here and say hello. It can be surprisingly hard to do.
Thank you. And yes, there's a big part of me that wants to return to normal while realizing everything has changed. I feel encouraged by the fact that my dad is making small strides every day. They will add up!
I wish all the best for you and your dad, Jennifer! ❤️
Thank you Marina 💕
Sorry you and your family are going through this. I'm glad your dad is OK and one the road to recovery. I'm impressed you are able to stay creative. I'm going through a different struggle with my elderly mom (94), and sometimes I'm so overwhelmed. Wishing you all the best.
Oh I'm so sorry Melissa. I've been thinking about how I knew this day was coming, but I didn't think it would be *now.* I could see it on the horizon. Then I blinked and the horizon was suddenly right here smacking me in the face.
I wonder can you ever really be ready? It feels like a terrible rite of passage, this parent-child role reversal. It's physically and emotionally exhausting in such a profound way. How could anyone not feel overwhelmed? All I know is I never want to go through it again, but I will. We may have dodged a bullet this time, but another is coming. I worry he won't fully recover and it will be like this from here on out.
I'm not sure I feel very creative, but I feel like I've lost so much time, I have no choice but to try to make make make. Just need to get started, haha!
Thanks, Jennifer. We can do it! We'll get through this. What choice do we have, right? I wish I were more prepared, but I guess like life in general, there is only so much we can do -- life is pesky like that.
Very true. And I'm happy to report that it's still possible to get lost in art! I dusted off one of my projects from January and I can say that after a little time getting reacquainted, it felt right to be back at work!
Peace is so fragile! So glad your dad is on the road to recovery, and that you were able to be there for him during his hospital stay. This is a tough job but the flexibility in times like these is a blessing. Sending you creative energy!
Thank you, Jessica. I'm still reeling with how much has changed. But every day gets a little better and I'm staying hopeful.
And yes, I was so glad for the flexibility, and for being able to work from my iPad. Lately it's felt important to incorporate more traditional art into my process, to carve out a path that is intrinsically human in this day of machine learning and large language models. This was a reminder that mobility is important for me, too, and to make sure my process reflects that.
You have been through a lot Jen. So sorry to hear, but glad your dad is recovering. Lots of hugs
Thanks so much Rekha. I appreciate your kind words 💕
Sending love! I'm glad your dad is improving. I hope it's all up from here. And nice to see you back xx
Oh me, too. At this stage, those little improvements are key to keeping his spirits up. Hopefully they'll keep coming fast and furious 🤞
So sorry to hear that you and your family have been through such a tough time Jennifer ♥️
Lovely to see you back here - sending healing well wishes to your dad!
Thanks Caroline. I appreciate the kind words 💕
All good wishes for your dad's recovery. It's frightening how quickly we can loose our health, and how long it takes to gain it back. Don't forget to take care of yourself, too. All that stress and worry affects a body, and you'll need to rest and recover right along with your dad.
Take care and thanks for sharing.
Thank you, and so true! I'm still reeling from how quickly he lost so much. I think we all thought that getting home would signal a return to normalcy, but it's just brought a different set of challenges. Still, there are little improvements every day and each one is worth celebrating! I'm not sure I'm managing the stress as well as I could, but I did start weight training after all this, so I'm finding some ways to take extra care of myself. 💕
Jennifer, I’m sending all my best wishes for your father to have a full recovery! My gosh what a difficult and scary period for you all. Thank you for educating me about the pancreas further. We had many wonderful angels for my parents as well. Thank goodness for caregivers, hospital workers, and those we didn’t know we needed at some of the worst times. May you continue to give yourself all the time you need for you and your family! My thoughts are with you!
Thank you so much Shirley. 💕 I've been fortunate to not really have to deal with this kind of thing until now. As you know, it takes such an emotional and physical toll. I kept getting alerts from my watch showing how my activity was going down and my resting heart rate was going up. It felt like being in the hospital was sucking the life out of all of us! But at the same time, my heart was so full from all of the kindness of the nurses and staff. They were so patient and supportive. Whatever they're being paid, it isn't enough!
I feel that stress from reading your words (so sorry!) The times I felt panicky I was so grateful for my family to also make sure I was taking care of me too. Yes, they all need far better pay! They are true heroes/angels on earth. You take good care of yourself now (hugs) and hope your dad continues to get the best care, and hooray that he is home! 💕
Yes, friends and family have been such a comfort. It's funny how small your world gets. You zoom in on what's really important in a situation like this. And you start to see the relationships you've built—who shows up, who offers to help, who sends a kind word. Makes you realize how important community is and to remember not to take it for granted! 💕
Best wishes for your dad's full recovery and for you getting back into the groove with your projects. I love the image of the dog and his shadow you chose for this post.
Thank you for your kind words. In true dog fashion, Frisket loves to find the warm light that streams through the kitchen window. Had to sketch it!
Received your email in my inbox and my heart goes out to you and your Dad. I'm glad to hear he is through the worst. Best wishes for a strong and full recovery.
Thank you Andrea. I appreciate your kind words. It's gonna be a long process, but I'm feeling encouraged that he will be able to mostly get his life back.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad , glad he’s doing better now . Sending you love ❤️
Thank you, Sarah 💕
Omg. I am so glad your dad made it. Fingers crossed for him to recharge and have many wonderful years ahead.
🌷
Thank you, Juliana. It's tough, but I'm feeling encouraged!
I’m sorry to hear the news about your father, I can’t imagine how stressful and scary must have been. Wishing you and your family the best in recovery xx
It was definitely intense. Thankfully we have a lot of good people supporting us. And he's improving a little every day. 🤞
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s health issues. I hope he is on the road to recovery. You were very smart to put everything on hold, and handle what you felt was more important. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you, Rhonda. A while back Katie Chappell mentioned juggling a lot of balls and realizing some were glass, but others were rubber. That stuck with me. I dropped all the rubber balls. And it's comforting to know I can pick them back up again.
Not sure if I can include an active link in comments, but it's here: https://katiedraws.substack.com/p/a-letter-to-my-weird-business