Ok, so now that we’re all in the same place, new content starts…. NOW! After that soul-crushing chat with the oncologist, dad and I were walking back to reception when he asked… I heard her, but stood there crying until I was ready stop. Coz that’s all I could do.
Hi Mehda! I found your stack when Rebecca Holden shared her letter with me, in which you drew her comic with the red squirrel - so delightful! I was sad to see this tough news, and wish you so much peace and comfort 💕 Last year, I cared for my mom through the end of Alzheimer’s, and experienced that deep exhaustion you described. I’m slowly recovering. Your work is beautiful, your grace and wisdom in sharing these experiences is very brave and appreciated. Hugs
Sending you so much love Medha. I love the image of the flashlight shining through the darkness. Enjoy the time with your dad! And in general just enjoy your time. <3
Once there is a cadence I think your Dad will love it. I have found the first few attempts are always tricky until people get comfortable enough that they forget the recorder is rolling.
If you have a Google Pixel phone the Recorder application is incredible as an interviewing tool and it creates a fantastic transcription. Not that you need it, but the Recorder even does live transcription of multiple languages with remarkable fidelity. Otherwise, the free-tier of iOtter.ai application works pretty well also.
My hobby of genealogy has led me to get in the habit of interviewing. The handful I have of Mom are a treasure. Almost like she is with me.
MEDHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Jeez Louise. And just yesterday I thought to myself "I really hope Medha has it in her to do more comics." I am not joking. Then I read this beautiful strip. I loved the "recap" at the beginning SO much but the panel with you wrapped in the blue blanket with all the images of you hugging your Dad... it is sublime and incredibly beautiful & moving art. I immediately thought of my kids' #1 favorite graphic novelist, Raina Telgemeier, as well as they 10+ other graphic novel artists they are obsessed with, we have bookshelves full of them. They are all young adult & kids but my kids are totally obsessed with these books. I have always, since the very first time I read your very first illustrated effort, seen you as a successful graphic novelist. I will be very surprised if (whenever Divine Timing would have it) that doesn't someday happen. Regardless and/or in the meantime, YAY keep them coming please! Love, BatSheva AKA #Medhafangirl
Hi Mehda, You have already done the one thing I couldn't do for three years after my husband died - to say these are the facts - now what are we going to do? I think your priorities are in perfect order: take care of you, take care of Dad, and make memories. In retrospect, I would have done more of that. He had dementia, so it would have been a greater challenge, and there were some by accident, but we could have made more - for me to have and hold today.
Such beautiful words and pictures, Medha. I was so thrilled to find Great Things in my inbox this morning. Sending hugs and strength in BULK.
1. The whale - such a harrowing picture, yes, but gosh, I'm in awe of your lateral thinking to make a wail into a whale. Come on, that's *awesome*.
2. I'm not sure if this answers the question, but in our family we have always set about tackling the situations that present themselves - so, not worrying about hypotheticals: the things that aren't on our plate, the ones that we don't need to worry about, but instead dealing with the things that we are actually facing. I love what you and your Dad are doing - that's a wonderful thing.
3. 'Cassandra Darke' by Posy Simmonds. Beautiful, hilarious, sinister...
4. I love your work and it's so wonderful to see you today! 😘
5. Two soft-boiled eggs and two cups of peppermint tea.
Yes to letting it all out! One of my kids absolutely wails when something bad happens and then they are over it and can be present with the next thing. Why don’t we teach this?! lol that receptionist- you’d think hospital people would be better trained in emotionally intelligence. They are not! Such a beautiful thing that you and your dad can face this time so openly. Sending you lots of time and space for feeling and adventuring. And brava for pivoting where you life needs you to. 🫀
Dear Great Things, does this mean you are going to stop writing?!
I hope not. As I travel through my private world of grief, of which I am no stranger, I seek out those that live in this world. I encourage you to keep writing GT. If not, I understand. Please read my post—Death and trying to write. It's hard. Family vanishing into thin air is hard. I send you strength.
Favorite drawing from today = making memories! Loved the sudden burst of color and change in the tones you’d been using up until then. Thank you for sharing so beautifully and in such a moving way about the journey you’re on with your dad right now 🤍🙏✨
Hi Mehda! I found your stack when Rebecca Holden shared her letter with me, in which you drew her comic with the red squirrel - so delightful! I was sad to see this tough news, and wish you so much peace and comfort 💕 Last year, I cared for my mom through the end of Alzheimer’s, and experienced that deep exhaustion you described. I’m slowly recovering. Your work is beautiful, your grace and wisdom in sharing these experiences is very brave and appreciated. Hugs
3. If you haven't yet, check out Bleach! Awesome graphic novel. Great escape.
Jason McBride’s WIERDO POETRY is a beautiful interwoven poetry and comic style Substack. His art and poems smash my HAPPY button every single time.
Beautiful thoughts. Enjoy this blessed time making memories! 💜
Sending you so much love Medha. I love the image of the flashlight shining through the darkness. Enjoy the time with your dad! And in general just enjoy your time. <3
Once there is a cadence I think your Dad will love it. I have found the first few attempts are always tricky until people get comfortable enough that they forget the recorder is rolling.
If you have a Google Pixel phone the Recorder application is incredible as an interviewing tool and it creates a fantastic transcription. Not that you need it, but the Recorder even does live transcription of multiple languages with remarkable fidelity. Otherwise, the free-tier of iOtter.ai application works pretty well also.
My hobby of genealogy has led me to get in the habit of interviewing. The handful I have of Mom are a treasure. Almost like she is with me.
I’d love to see you when you are in Sydney 🫢
MEDHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Jeez Louise. And just yesterday I thought to myself "I really hope Medha has it in her to do more comics." I am not joking. Then I read this beautiful strip. I loved the "recap" at the beginning SO much but the panel with you wrapped in the blue blanket with all the images of you hugging your Dad... it is sublime and incredibly beautiful & moving art. I immediately thought of my kids' #1 favorite graphic novelist, Raina Telgemeier, as well as they 10+ other graphic novel artists they are obsessed with, we have bookshelves full of them. They are all young adult & kids but my kids are totally obsessed with these books. I have always, since the very first time I read your very first illustrated effort, seen you as a successful graphic novelist. I will be very surprised if (whenever Divine Timing would have it) that doesn't someday happen. Regardless and/or in the meantime, YAY keep them coming please! Love, BatSheva AKA #Medhafangirl
Hi Mehda, You have already done the one thing I couldn't do for three years after my husband died - to say these are the facts - now what are we going to do? I think your priorities are in perfect order: take care of you, take care of Dad, and make memories. In retrospect, I would have done more of that. He had dementia, so it would have been a greater challenge, and there were some by accident, but we could have made more - for me to have and hold today.
4. Record your Dad and have a conversation. Having his voice is a great gift.
1. Favorite drawing: I’ll remember this... (you and your dad hugs in oncology waiting room
2. Acceptance is a work in progress.
3. I don’t have any reco for graphic novels
4. I love your work. You’re amazing!
5. Just woke up. Still thinking about what to eat for breakfast
All the best with the bucket list! Share some of the adventure here 💛💛💛
Such beautiful words and pictures, Medha. I was so thrilled to find Great Things in my inbox this morning. Sending hugs and strength in BULK.
1. The whale - such a harrowing picture, yes, but gosh, I'm in awe of your lateral thinking to make a wail into a whale. Come on, that's *awesome*.
2. I'm not sure if this answers the question, but in our family we have always set about tackling the situations that present themselves - so, not worrying about hypotheticals: the things that aren't on our plate, the ones that we don't need to worry about, but instead dealing with the things that we are actually facing. I love what you and your Dad are doing - that's a wonderful thing.
3. 'Cassandra Darke' by Posy Simmonds. Beautiful, hilarious, sinister...
4. I love your work and it's so wonderful to see you today! 😘
5. Two soft-boiled eggs and two cups of peppermint tea.
♥️
Yes to letting it all out! One of my kids absolutely wails when something bad happens and then they are over it and can be present with the next thing. Why don’t we teach this?! lol that receptionist- you’d think hospital people would be better trained in emotionally intelligence. They are not! Such a beautiful thing that you and your dad can face this time so openly. Sending you lots of time and space for feeling and adventuring. And brava for pivoting where you life needs you to. 🫀
And I like the whale wailing.......
Dear Great Things, does this mean you are going to stop writing?!
I hope not. As I travel through my private world of grief, of which I am no stranger, I seek out those that live in this world. I encourage you to keep writing GT. If not, I understand. Please read my post—Death and trying to write. It's hard. Family vanishing into thin air is hard. I send you strength.
Favorite drawing from today = making memories! Loved the sudden burst of color and change in the tones you’d been using up until then. Thank you for sharing so beautifully and in such a moving way about the journey you’re on with your dad right now 🤍🙏✨