Comic for Thursday June 5th, 2003

Hell I have some really great news to share with you all. Some of you who read this are good friends of mine and know that my mom has recently begun her battle with liver cancer. I never really wanted to mention it here because I had no idea what was going to happen and I wasn't quite ready to write things down because I really didn't want to dwell too much on it. It's the kind of thing that if you think about for longer then a minute, your world becomes unwound and you just start losing grip on things.

The good news is that my mom emerged from surgery yesterday and that it was successful. The doctor was able to cut the softball sized cancer out of her liver and now she is on her way to recovery.

I want to personally thank some people who have helped me and my family through the toughest thing we have ever faced. My dad may be the rock of the family, but my mom will always be the heart. Joe, Jay, George, Dave and Ruby, in no particular order, are the kind of friends who aren't just there for the good times, but are there to help, support, and do whatever they can to help you through hell and back. For everything you guys did for me and the fam I want to publicly thank you and although my mom hasn't had a chance, my dad and brother also really appreciate everything you've done.

Not to say that I don't have other friends that would have done the same had they known. Guys like Brian, Kris, and Tom had I told them would have extended the same love to me and my fam and I have no questions about that. Sometimes just knowing you guys are there is worth more then words describe.

As my mom recovers and I hear more I will be sure to let you guys know more. I also know that I haven't been all that communicative about it all, but I'm sure you all understand that's the type of guy I am. Denial and Disassociation are my defense.

Well I know this is a departure from my usual post, but as you can tell I am probably the happiest guy alive right now.

The strange thing is that Tuesday just happened to be the day for hospitals for my fam. Late Tuesday night after I got the good news I had to head over to Urgent Care for I could not breathe properly. I was healed properly and am fine. It was a good day.

Now should I talk about Spirit 24 and the close of month 3 of Ninja Spirit? I suppose I should.

Three months have gone by and I while I probably could be happier about the writing I'm doing in these strips and some of the art as well, I am genuinely happy about making this comic. It's given me and outlet to just sink into during the last month from hell. It's something I truly enjoy and while I appreciate everyone who reads this, it's primarily my enjoyment to do for fun. Making stories and drawing pictures has always brought me much joy and as much as I dislike some of the things I've done in this comic, I love it much like a parent to an unruly child.

As for Spirit 24, I was happy with the shading on Mr. Murphy. Heightens the evil look about him. I kinda like the Show-Me-Where-He-Touched-You Joe Lockhart doll Mr. Murphy somehow pulls out from nowhere. Of all the random things that popped in my head... I will mention that panel 4 was saved in large part to the large word bubbles. I couldn't get the desk and bottom half of Yuki to come out right, but the bubbles just happened to cover up the sore spots to make it look decent. Sweet.

Well my friends and readers, I say we look to the future of both Ninja Spirit and to our lives in general. I'm glad you've all been aboard for the ride. From playing superheroes on the playground, drawing comics in recess, Tahoe's, a wild week in Japan, to here and now, to tomorrow and forever.

Thanks.

River feels formal and thankful.

Thursday - June 5th, 2003 

I would also like to note that though I didn't mention her in the post above, The Kelly is to me like a stick that holds up that scrawny tomato plant as it grows. Without her, I'm kind of always falling all over myself. Just though I'd share the fact since I think The Kelly already knows all this already.

Right?

River feels loved.