QoL: "The berries remain, though the leaves are gone."

[BrentW]

I travelled to Scotland to see my father for an early Christmas, and then to West Yorkshire to see my mum. My dad had requested a couple of paintings to hang on his wall as a reminder for when I am no longer here, this being part of his adjustment that I am now receiving care for pain management only. He selected this as one of the two he would like. It is a small, experimental piece just 5" by 6", but was fun to paint. I placed wet burlap threads on a damp watercolour wash, then dripped acrylic paint onto them. Once they were suitably dry, I pealed the threads away. I like the textures and will no doubt be using this technique over and over and over. . . .

I have developed a strange manifestation that I presume is a reflection of my cancer, perhaps related to the partial paralysis of my tongue and the development of a lisp. It is tooth sensitivity. If I allow anything just a few degrees either side of my body temperature to touch my teeth, I can feel it around my upper jaw, though centred wherever it touched. It takes minutes to subside. I shall discuss it with my palliative care nurse when I see her on Friday, and in the meantime be taking sublingual painkillers (Abstral) to help me cope with it. I see no point in waiting for pain to develop and then trying to play catch-up as it keeps ahead of my painkillers.

We shall then be discussing and arranging my next visit to the hospice. I really want to discuss respite care there for my wife -- though I really need to get her input on what she would need to encourage her to use that service.

[NickJoy]

Gorgeous textured painting. Lovely. Thank you for posting this and information. Best of love and wishes to you and your wife. xxx

[Kaliber]

impressive Brent. Being from rural Indiana as a child, we picked loads of wild berries for jelly and jam . Your painting evokes memories of those dangerous briar patches. Again, your mixed media gives your work depth and increased interest.

I hope hospice is working out well , sounds like you are being provided effective pain meds ( fentanyl).

❤️❤️❤️

[Mtnhigh]

Love the berries and vibrant blues. I also used to pick wild raspberries in the Colorado mountains. I had conflicting feelings about taking advantage of respite services when my Mom was in hospice. I almost felt guilty taking the time. Seems there are always many issues for caregivers and all concerned to work through. Best wishes to you and your wife. -Deb

[maley2711]

all I can say is...thinking about your situation saddens me ....obviously you are a wondeful kind person who is too young to be faced with this!!

[lcfcpolo]

Great painting Brent. My thoughts are with you. Tc.

[HikerWife]

I just love this painting, Brent. Sending all the best to you and your family.

[Karirudy]

What a wonderful gift for your father. Thank you for sharing your journey. My husband will most likely receive his 6th and final dose of Pluvecto on January 19th. Every day is a gift. Felicidades u oraciones a su Familia Durant este Santo tiempo!

[Blueslover]

Hi Brent. I'm from Bradford many years ago.What a great gift for your Dad.

My prayer is that you remain comfortable every day

Hugh

[Hidden]

Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing the technique you used, I’d like to try it myself sometime. As my husband’s full time caregiver, I can attest to the benefit of respite care. My husband encourages me to use whatever free time is offered, to just get out and away. I sometimes feel waves of guilt but believe me, that time away is absolutely necessary for my mental, (and physical) wellbeing.

[j-o-h-n]

Okay, now don't keep us in suspense...... What's the J. for?

Happy New YearS to all.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 12/28/2023 7:23 PM EST

[MouseAddams]

interesting thought about your picture- when I look at it from a distance it looks like a piece of Native American jewelry made of turquoise, jasper and other elements. It’s very beautiful.

As for the wife getting respite time I hope she takes it, you both can benefit from it. She may not feel like she needs it but even a few hours can help her with the stress of everything. You might suggest a pedicure it only takes a an hour or so.