THANK YOU.

Hi.

Writing from Minneapolis, MN, to express my gratitude to those of you who kept with me into September. As most of you know, this has been an incredibly trying time in my life. Your support has really helped to keep me creating while I spend the majority of my time caring for my Grandfather.

Up on Tumblr is a different kind of 'behind the scenes.' It is a glimpse into my personal life this summer, as I stayed close to home (with the exception of a few very short and condensed tours) to be with my Grandpa.

In that time, my Grandfather's condition has gradually worsened. While he has battled for his life, I have battled with insurance companies, with the administrators and with the caregivers at his nursing facility for the last three months. Additionally, I have been to two funerals. And have hosted my mother and sisters who came up several times over the summer. I have also been working to help my mother get back on her feet. 

I have spread myself thin making myself available for family and close friends. While it has been a long and exhausting few months, I would not trade in this time for anything in the world. If you check into Tumblr, (I just posted the updated passwords) you will see all of the cherished moments I have been fortunate enough to spend with my dearest loved ones. 

Other than a two week tour, I worked locally from June until August. 

I have just returned to my grind with a long tour, in Minneapolis. From here, I travel to Carmel, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oregon. 

Unfortunately, I just learned the other day that my Grandfather's cancer has progressed to Stage 4. He does not yet know this, but he only has a few months left with us, if that. I wish I didn't have to tell him, but I have no choice. While I somewhat suspected this, with his dramatic weight loss and progressively labored breathing, this is still some of the most heart breaking news of my adult life. Less than a year ago, my grandfather walked 4 miles a day with me, and now he weighs less than I do. It's amazing to me how delicate our mortality can be. I'm even more amazed by his love and determination as he hangs on through such a painful experience.

At this point, I hope that he can hang on through the next three weeks. If I can make it through this month, I should have the finances to sustain me through the winter. My intentions at this point are to return home on September 21, and bring my Grandfather home with me immediately. If there is no chance for his health to improve, he should not be in a medical facility. I will remain with him, hopefully at home, until he makes his final transition. Through the winter, my only work will be for Patreon. I am even canceling The Desert Adventure, to be resumed in May. 

While these next few months will be some of the most challenging times of my life, I am so grateful to be honored with the task. Furthermore, I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to each of you, who have kept with me, and continue to support me, as an artist and as a friend, through this profoundly taxing emotional process. 

THANK YOU.