Carolnlyfans 6

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Okay, so here’s the deal: since everyone in my family should be aware of everything going on I’m going to give the general audience some idea of what’s going on. If anyone gets angry they can FUCKING DEAL WITH IT.

My grandfather has dementia & Parkinson’s & can no longer care for himself. The family has been trying to get him in to some kind of permanent care situation, but hasn’t for various reasons. I’m the only one who works from home & can monitor him all day long. Before now grandma has kept care of him, but she went into the hospital for over a month, which is what initially caused the interruption of the comic, & now is back in the hospital for an unknown length of time. My mother is caring for my sister right now, and her household in general. Normally mom would pick up all the slack for most of this stuff, but it isn’t humanly possible for her to be in 3 places at once. So, we’re back to disruption for an indeterminate time. I’ve adapted to the disruption, but I can’t guarantee the updates will be at midnight anymore. I’ll just do my best until this is all sorted out.

The first time this happened it was unexpected but this time it was pretty obvious, to me at least, that the clown car was headed for a crash, so I didn’t bother dismantling the elder care infrastructure here. I can basically go back to the way it was last time. As far as the comic goes it never stopped being filler, so we’re stuck with more for a while.

I apologize for my inability to better deal with these issues, but unfortunately there’s nothing much else I can do. I’m a pawn in someone else’s game for the time being.

Just to be clear, since so many people seem to not be reading this clearly, I’m not ending, stopping, going on hiatus, or anything. I just can’t guarantee that each new page will be up at midnight like usually they are. Also this is my job, I’ve been living off of my earnings for years. So it is a big deal to me. I don’t make crazy money but I can pay for insurance, feed myself, and I could rent an apartment if I needed to. I know everyone is used to webcomic artists just farting off when things get tough but that’s not me. Which is why I can actually do it professionally. I’ve kept things going from hospital beds twice, lived through deaths of family members, helped raise an orphan, and all kinds of things. This is just another thing, it just happened to be surrounded by a bunch of other stuff to the point where even I couldn’t keep up. I’m not going anywhere, I’m just struggling a little.

60 Comments

Family comes first, no matter how hectic things get. You do what you have to do and don’t worry about us. Not that we don’t appreciate the worry, but you’ve got a lot on your plate that’s more important.

On a personal note, if you need to drop down to a one per week update to give you a breather I’m good with that and I’m pretty sure a lot of other folks would be as well.

Just been though something like this. Thanks for still doing the comic and letting us know. Keep strong and do what you have to.

For what it’s worth, this has been some excellent “filler” and I’m not going to complain at all. Glad to still have the cast around. Don’t push yourself, and hang in there!

quite a little sad that the comics will go on hiatus, but don’t really care why, and hope you don’t as well. You don’t owe us a thing, except the things you choose to. And even those, we don’t have to take them for granted.

Take care of your gramp, the rest of your family and yourself, and come back when you can, and want. Godspeed, man.

I don’t think it’s going on hiatus, it sounds like he’s just saying the filler will continue for the foreseeable future and that he doesn’t anticipate being able to hold to the schedule as strictly as he would like, which is different from a hiatus. Not that a hiatus wouldn’t be totally understandable at this point (or even several points in the past), but it sounds like that’s not what is happening here.

Family first. Don’t worry about the comic. You have nice fans that will surely understand and wait.
I don’t know if it is something you would be comfortable with, but you can also ask for guest strips or publish some fan art to have a break as well.
Love your work. Take care.

Jackie, take care of you and yours first.

—

Thomas, I thought Carol would arrive this point but I didn’t think it would be quite so soon, you lucky, lucky man.

You do what you need to man. Never worry about the comic over family. The people who care about the comic enough will always be waiting for when you get back

You’re juggling a lot of stuff right now. Part of juggling so much is the ultimate realization that there are balls you can drop. The comic is one. Please. Step back for a second. The comic will be here and we’ll still be here. Slow down. Take a break. Deal with family stuff. My grandfather suffered from dementia for the last years of his life. It’s awful and will take more strength than you can spare to deal with things.

If the worst that happens is minor delays, I count myself pretty well ahead of the game.

Would hate to see this comic go away completely for any length of time but given the circumstances you’d have to be a real asshole to get mad about it.

My man, I am incredibly grateful for even the least bit of these characters’ lives you can show us. Don’t worry about getting back to the main story until you and your family have things completely under control.

Haven’t commented before, but I have been following this comic for quite some time. I’m going through the exact same situation right now with my grandfather, and it’s been a shit storm. I had to temporarily drop out of college help out with him for my family.

Hope everything will get better on your end eventually, but if it provides any solace you’re not alone in this endeavor. However, as other people said, family comes first man. The comic can come second, your mental health and family are super important.

Good gracious. It says something about society that you should ever feel you have to provide such a defense in advance of disruptions for something you do as a passion project and most take advantage of for free (myself included).
God bless and ignore the haters – the people that truly appreciate your work appreciate YOU. Do what you need to. If it means anything, please know I’m saying a prayer for you and your family.

If anyone is mad at you for taking care of your family, they don’t deserve you. Do what you have to do. We’ll still be here.

I think that line was directed at the family. Wording suggests they didn’t want his readers to know about the situation for some reason or another

Do ‘you’ first. Most people that read this no doubt have a set of web comics to look at each morning – not all of them update every day, some get paused for a while, it happens, NBD.

Jackie, I am one of the care givers for my brother who is dying of ALS. As others have said family first. If your comic ends today I am thankful for as much as I have gotten. If it continues as we both hope it will, I will be even more thankful for that. Be as kind to yourself as you can. Good luck to us both.

Do what you gotta do.

“Tyrone, you know how much I love watching you work, but I’ve got my country’s 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it; I’m swamped.” -Prince Humperdinck

I recently went through a similar situation with my mother who passed in June. The whole covid situation certainly doesn’t help matters. There were times when the only way we could visit was looking at each other through the window and talking on the phone. As for practical advice: Pick a couple of facilities that you would find acceptable and talk to their admissions office at least once a week. Another resource is the social worker at the hospital where your grandmother is a patient. Identifying her as your grandfather’s caretaker may allow the social worker to use their resources to help him access services.

I know you take a lot of pride in the comic. I always appreciate it. But don’t worry about life getting in the way. I’ll be here waiting whenever you have the bandwidth to get back to life as normal. Delays are inevitable in your situation; don’t push yourself too hard for our sake.

We love you, man!
Go be the best you you can be. I am still rooting for you from Canada.
And as for this so called ‘filler’, it has been pretty sweet.

Even if it’s filler, it’s charming, character-exploring filler and not just treading water. Plus, people need sick and family time away from any job. Absolutely do what you need to.

Sounds to me like you’re dealing with things like a f____ng trooper; you have nothing to apologise for! Helping out with issues affecting family members is most always a double load, because it is much harder to distance oneself from their emotions, where that is necessary to get the job done. I deeply respect your willingness to help others, and I am grateful for the entertainment you have provided over the years.

I’m gonna say something that may sound odd. I don’t consider this filler. I consider it a change of pace for a bit. Story doesn’t have to happen at any particular time or pace, and it’s really nice to break up serious stuff with some lighthearted humor. This is nice.

Take care of yourself Jackie. If you need to take a pause for a while, we’ll be here when you return. You’ve been consistently getting pages out as reliably as humanly possible for years. You’ve earned yourself a break if you need it.

Sympathies, Jackie. I know what you’re going through. Went through it myself with my Dad’s Parkinson’s.

I also have to say, you’re dealing better than I ever did; I went into shutdown mode for the most part, which I still haven’t fully recovered from.

You do for you and your family, and I’ll be here and on Patreon lending what support I can.

Well, you’re doing the right thing really. Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist) took a long hiatus to care for family so you can too. So no worries in that respect. Even so, I do like that you care a lot for your work.

Take care of yourself and your family.
Thanks for giving a heads up for what’s going on if/when things don’t get updated like normal even though you didn’t have to. Even if you had to drop down to M/F or even just once a week releases for the time being, that’s completely understanble. Still gonna be coming by to see how the different parts of the story play out. Be kind to yourself, that level of caring for another’s daily routine is far more exhausting than anyone who has never had to do it would know.

Hey Man,

Take the time you need to take care of things. It does seem unfair to me that your family is, effectively, demanding that you quit your job because they don’t want to quit theirs. Of course I don’t know the full situation, so take that comment with a huge grain of salt.

Either way, I’ll say the same thing I say to everyone I support on Patreon: Creative professionals deserve paid family leave, sick time, and vacations (same as any other professional). I’m not going to stop supporting just because someone takes a break or has to reduce their output for a month or two.

Well you could have been a douche and refused to take care of your elderly Grandfather so at this point anything you do here is awesome and more than plenty. Take a deep breath, I’m sure no one here needs to tell you that your priorities are straight and you’re doing the right thing. Remember to get some rest.

That one guy: RAA! Comic ending! Everyone unsub!

The fans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwSUJM2EyqE

*Seller of torches and pitchforks grins in anticipation.

But seriously if there is any silver lining to this you have time to spend with your grandpa. If there’s anything you wanted to tell/ask him when he is mostly with it, now’s your chance.

He doesn’t have days where he’s capable of reminiscing anymore.

I understand. My father died a decade ago after dementia. He would goto church on Sundayand be amazed how much all the strangers there cared about him. Of course they weren’t amazed at all. They knew him as the close friend who showed up every week.

Just take care of yourself. We’ll still be here when you are able come back and we’ll enjoy what you post when you can post

Dude, all we need is a “AFK,BRB” updated periodically and we’ll be here when you get back. Take care of yourself and those around you. Good luck!

Nephew’s daughter got covid. Then his wife. Then he found out he had it (and probably gave it to them.) And me. (tested negative when I went in after learning, then positive4 days later. then Mom got covid and went into hospital and nephew who lives with us tested positive. I can kind of empathize.

Dearest Jackie,

As someone who was always very close to his (maternal) grandfather (and helped to take care of him in his final years) himself, I wholeheartedly salute your given effort in daily monitoring and caring for your granddad. I wish you (and your family) all the strength, patience, love and understanding needed during this (naturally quite challenging and energy draining) time!

…And as a long time reader and big (but unfortunately financial challenged, sorry!) fan; I think you deserve nothing less than a standing ovation for your (truly heroic!) efforts (and success) in pleasing your readers during whatever life puts in your path. I think (and certainly hópe) I speak for a lot of us (all over the world), when I say; you have our deepest respect and thanks!!

Greetings from The Netherlands, Dutch

Your “filler” is more fun than a lot of people’s regular stuff. Take the time you need to care for your family, and don’t forget to care for yourself along the way. I don’t exactly read these at 12:01, so I’m fine with them being ready whenever they’re ready.

Take care of yourself, your family, your friends, your work, your fans.

Pretty much IN THAT ORDER.

Don’t worry about us, Dude. We’ll be here.

Those who might forsake you aren’t worth worrying about, and WILL be replaced once you’re back on track.

Oh man! We, loyal readers, love you and your artwork. Hope things go smooth over there. Take your time. After so long following the comics and your art evolution, I gotta say, take it easy and be safe. We will be here. Great hug, best of luck and positive feelings to you.

Your comic is good enough that I’ll keep visiting just in case a new one is published. You do you. Hope you get a streak of good things happening to you.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Frankly, your work ethic is inspiring given I’ve grown up around people who seem determined to justify every shortcut and lazy habit they can. I’m happy I can count on one of my favorite comics sticking around, and I won’t tell you not to do your job, but don’t stress too much if you have to delay a bit to take care of things. We’ll understand some lateness if it gives you a buffer.

To try and balance all that and keep the comic going, even at a stunted pace, is nothing less than sorcery. If anyone has issue with you not meeting a deadline, then I would happily donate a max level spell slot to cast Fireball on their ass.

I don’t know what to say or do to make things better, but I hope that some kind of resolution comes your way. I don’t expect a miracle, but you and your family deserve some measure of peace in all this.

Oof, being the primary caregiver for anyone who’s disabled is tough at the best of times, but caring for someone with both dementia and Parkinson’s can be extremely difficult. I’ve had experience caring for elderly folk with various physical and mental conditions and I know what it’s like, so you have my sympathies. And watching elderly family members decline is also not fun. My Mom was a nurse and I worked with the Red Cross for many years, so between the two of us, she and I nursed quite a few people, including elderly family members when they needed it. It’s very stressful and it’s more than a full-time job, not even counting the emotional aspect of it.

We also cared for my grandfather at home when he was sick with bone cancer. He also had Alzheimer’s and basically had no short-term memory. One day I found him wandering around trying desperately to find my grandmother, who had been dead for two years by that point. Mom and Dad were out running errands, so I was alone with him at the time, and I had to sit him down on the bed and explain to him that his beloved wife had already died. It was gut-wrenching for both of us.

I know all too well what you are going through, and you are holding up much better than most, or at least me.

Been there, done that for nigh onto 5 years and truth be told, I don’t much remember those years and what records I do have from that time has me going “I did what?”.

So do what you do.
We will still be here, well mostly.
We’re all pulling for you.
We’re all in this together.
Quando, Omni, Flunkus, Moritadi.
Keep your stick on the ice.

Dude, shit happens sometimes. The simple fact that you’ve been able to deal with it thus far with the level of grace with which you have is not only admirable, it is in fact rather amazing. Family must come first, as you’ve already proven that you know very well, so if anybody tries to give you shit over it, for ANY reason, you should feel free to tell them to fuck off to the deepest part of the darkest, smelliest, ass they can find and then stay there for the rest of eternity, or until they grow the fuck up and realize that life sucks sometimes, whichever comes first.

Or, if things do keep getting worse and you do end up needing to take some time off to deal with it, you should feel free to do that too, regardless of anyone elses desire or feelings on the matter, because this is real life and not everything can be candy canes and roses sometimes. If that ends up happening I, for one, will be ready and eager to read the next comic whenever you come back, whenever that may be.

Either way Jackie, keep rockin’ on. You’re doing great, whatever some fucking troll tries to say.

I’ve probably only ever commented one other time but I hope things work out for the better and if you do need a break you should take one, you’ve been and amazing artist an even better business owner so don’t worry your fans understand. Best of luck

“…so we’re putting [your phone] in danger instead.”

He’ll also probably want that page bookmarked as well.

no worries dude, we’ll still be here, do what you gotta do, tbh I just binge a weeks worth of webcomic content each sunday, so no worries

Yeah, my girlfriend has done this to me.

Like, multiple times.

Her rationale is, she needs her phone pristine for work (“Uh, you have a phone the Hospital gave you…”) whereas I’m retired, so if my phone blows up, I can spend a day or a week getting it straightened out.

Thanks, babe.

I’m sorry, but the only way you can atone for this horrible betrayal of your fans’ trust is to actually show screenshots of the website with Carol’s titties. High-res would be nice, but not mandatory.

Seriously, good on you for being someone your family can rely on. Don’t forget to take care of yourself as well though.

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