The Clockwork Mansion

 I am, and I know we all are, sorry for your loss, Amber - the death of a family member like that is reason enough to grieve. I can't imagine what it'd be like having to deal with bureaucracy at a time like that.

Whatever comfort it is, I know that we all feel for you, and wish that we could do more to comfort than offer condolences. We feel for you, Amber. I hope things get better for you soon, and that you will soon be able to rest.

My family and I send our deepest condolences, as well as tons of hugs, prayers, and good wishes. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers and will be int he coming weeks.

-Kish

Im sorry for your loss Amber, :<  I do hope our hugs and love will help you...Rember we will always be there for you no matter where you are.  :hug :hug  :love1

   ...oh man. That is just horrible. You haven't seen or heard of him since before Katrina? Not having had a chance to even see him before it happened...I feel for you. I really do. I lost a father as well, but not like this. And, like Cogidubnus said, with all the bureaucracy on top...
   I'm with Zedd as well. We are with you, Amber.

Quote from: Zedd on April 22, 2008, 10:02:28 PM
Im sorry for your loss Amber, :<  I do hope our hugs and love will help you...Rember we will always be there for you no matter where you are.  :hug :hug  :love1

Definitely agreed with Zedd.  :hug I'm sorry, Amber. Please take it easy. We'll understand.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

I'm sorry for your loss. Really, you should take it easy. I wouldn't even be updating this Friday if I were you, I'd be asking for guest comics or something. Just give your mind some peace and rest and time to sort it all out. Really, thats the most important thing right now. Take it easy.  :hug

Honestly, I don't know what I can say. I'm not that great at conveying emotion over the interwebs. I feel for you though. I don't know what I can really do for you...I'll send hugs :hug and condolences. And please, take as much time as you need. Rather that you take some time to sort this all out than burn out trying to do too much all at once.

I'm so sorry. I've had a family member die recently as well. He was my great uncle, and I regret not getting to know him. (He ran an insane asylum, of all things)

My condolences to both you and your family. I hope you'll take whatever time you need to sort everything out.

Really not the type of unexpected delays we hope for. Not that we hope for them but something like this is at least proof that some are better then others.

Take your time Amber. Spend it with the people that can actually hold you. Internet will still be here when you're ready to return.

I know what it's like to lose family members and truly I am sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in prayer.

Take care Amber, I hope you can find your happiness again soon.

Oh dear gods, I am sorry for your loss. When my da died last year I was at least able to visit him one last time. To lose track of someone so important in your life, and then discover that he has died is a very sad thing.

You have my best wishes, and I hope your friends and family can help you to weather this storm.

The Auld Grump

I'm sorry for your loss and your border troubles. 
Good luck to you and yours.  I sincerely hope things start looking up for you in the near future.

Today we gather in times of darkness, not in times of light; today shall be a time of weeping, for the father of one we care has passed away, has moved onwards to the next realm.

While it may be true Amber's father is in a better place, we must not forget its heart-shattering effects on the ones still left, namely Amber and her brother Mike. The sorrow and grief to cope with such a loss can be unbearable, it is our duty as good citizens help the two to overcome this impasse.

I will give you my sympathy, flowers for the grave and can only hope the miseries will cease.

you have my condolences, amber, i know exactly how you feel, you take some time out to sort things out, we'll still be here if you need us  :3

...you are not alone...

Amber: It's been almost 8 years for me and I still miss my dad.  So grieve and let the feelings out it does no good to hold them back.  You have many faithful followers and friends who will stand by you in this time.  I only wish we could help you with the border stupidity.  Take however much time you need.  We'll be here when you get back!

My deepest condolences. I lost my dad when I was 17. It's been 22 years and I still miss him.

Take as much time as you think you need. We'll still be here. :hug

gnuh. :(

*hugs*

I do know the pain of losing someone your loved.  :mowsad To lose your father must very painful. I do hope thing will get better for you Amber.  :cry

*hugs*  Amber, the last thing you need to worry about is updating right now.  You really should take a week off at the very least to have some time to yourself and to overcome the foul beast that is the Canadian border.
I wish there was something that could be said to make this all better, but I know there isn't.  So I hope you feel better and don't forget that we're here for you.

I remember when my grandfather passed away. He was nearly ninety, and he was just withering away. Last time I saw him, his legs were about as thick around as my wrist. He barely mumbled a few words. I don't really know what was wrong, but he'd only had a few days left. He past on a few days later.

Even if you see it coming, even if you're there holding his hand, it doesn't get any easier. A loss in the family is always painful, no matter the events surrounding it. Just remember that even if you weren't there to see him off, he knows he's in your heart now. All *you* need is time, and the darkness will pass.

As for personal problems, I started losing my sight due to diabetic complications last year, it's gotten worse. I'm mostly blind in one eye, and the other one is starting to get spotty. But you just need the same advice I did: Sort out your problems, make a plan, get them under control. And if you are doing everything you can, don't stress about it. Calm you self, and say you have done what must be done. That's all you can do.

If you're really in a bad place, make some art about it. Even if you're not going to show it to anyone, it always makes you feel better afterwards.

I know it has been an extremely long time since I last came to the forums here, but this is a topic that deserves a post.

:cry :hug :tighthug  Amber, take as much time as you need.  Losing family members is... extremely difficult.  Especially your father, even if you haven't been in contact.  You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.  And yes, we are here.

I have a couple of things that I drew/wrote concerning the passing of my grandma over a year ago.  The piece of art was drawn back then, the poem was written much more recently and posted a few months after I wrote it.  Maybe these will help.

http://lomgren.deviantart.com/art/Brokenhearted-color-43982817
http://lomgren.deviantart.com/art/A-Soul-s-Lament-75047398

I offer whats condolences i can. i know how hard it is to lose someone close to you.

May your mind remain in one piece and your heart keep it together long enough to keep you together.

Some folks on the Jack forum also pass along their sympathies.

I'm sorry Amber.  *sincerest hugs*

Holy CRAP!  That... wow.  I've heard of Murphy's Law but this is taking it to a whole new extreme.  My condolences and sympathies.  I... don't even know what to say beyond that.

Something like this... there's definitely no need to worry about your readers after news like this... Please, do what's best for yourself at this time. My condolences, for what they're worth.

My deepest condolences :(

 :mowsad
And there i was, thinking i was having a bad time cause some stress at work......  :(

Some times one need to see how other peoples are suffering to see how fortunate he really is..
(hope my bad english don't mix this up ^^;; )

My deepest condolences for you and your family.  :hug

That is awful.  I don't think I can really add much that hasn't been already said, but yes, I have a pretty good idea of what you're going through and my thoughts will be with you.
If you need a break, I don't think anyone here could hold it against you.

Agreed.

I also second the suggestion of guest comics - you have enough to deal with, without trying to produce comics as well.

Do take as long as you need, and know that we are all here for you.

:hug

Amber, my deepest condolences. I wish the best for you and all your family and pray for all of you.

A while back a relation of the person who writes http://venusenvy.comicgenesis.com gave her advice over the death of her friend. She posted it on her site, and since it seemed to help, I'll repost it here for you.

QuoteI am sorry for the loss of your friend. There's not much I can tell you to lessen the hurt but I can tell you what helps me. The first thing you can do you have done in a small way. You shared your grief with me. That's one reason funerals are important. You get to share you grief with others and a sense of finality is absorbed into your soul. So if you haven't grieved yet, take 5 minutes with Lissa, find a corner and cry until you feel just a little bit better. Or you can take 5 minutes and light a candle and just think of that person privately. The important thing is to grieve. If you have the time and energy, invite a few of this persons mutual friends over for a wake and spend the entire time talking about this person. The good the bad and the ugly.

Either a dear friend or a casual acquaintance, I suggest you make a pact with your self to think of them for at least a few moments every day. It can be a nice thought a naughty thought a discouraging though or even a time when they were an ass-hole and made you angry. Then one day it occurs to you that you no longer have those daily moments of personal thoughts. That's the time your grief is complete. You have absorbed this persons life and soul. What they were, in a small way is now part of you. This will affect everything you do ( unconsciously ) in thought and deed. It will add to your character. Even your creative talents will improve from this experience. Some day you will be doing a job, any job, have a problem and suddenly there is a brilliant solution. You have no idea where it came from, its something you yourself thought incapable of solving. You can either be giddy and self absorb with your own genius or you can give a wink and say thanks to the many life's experiences you have endured and invited into your soul.

the loss of a parent is rough hon

*hugs*

With the folish government burocracies on top of that adding extra presure I'll have to agree with every one else don't worry about the comic.  Take as much time as you need,  We'll be here when you get back, and in the mean time we'll be here if you need us.

Gods Amber.. you take care.

Do not feel responsible to us in any way, you dont need to post a comic on friday or anything, please, take  a break and take care of yourself. 

*hugs* I don't want to sound hollow or anything.. i just really feel for you right now.  I want you to take care of yourself.

Gah, I'm always stumped at what to say in situations like this. I must have erased the first line ten times already. What do you really say to someone that's lost a parent? 'Gee I'm sorry?' Doesn't feel like enough to me. I'll say this though, hearing this you have my sympathies Amber. Knowing someone who brings me such joy, through the week, is out there suffering such a tragedy brings me a saddeness that is unexplainable. I hope, and know, that you'll pull through this. It'll take time but know that you have the support of everyone, who matters, online (anyone who isn't behind you doesn't matter and can rot) Take the time you need, this is not something to rush through. Take a week, take two, take a month. We'll still be here no matter how long it takes. Like we say in WoW "Real life comes first".

I am really sorry for your loss. I know what a blow it can be. My dad died when I was 15 and I still miss him. Take care, ok?

*tightly hugs, speechless*

I can't imagine what you must be going through right now... Just do what you can, oki?

...

I've got to say, I'm stumped.

Pretty much anything I can say, has already been said, several times over. Including that. :-/

Take all the time you need, Amber. We'll be here when you get back.

*hugs* Suddenly the world is a smaller, sadder, and darker place without him.

My sincere condolences, Amber. Please take whatever time you need to get back on your feet.

the loss of a loved oe especially a parent is very painful - i know this all to well - take time to recover amber. dont force yourself to do stuff if you cant *hugs*

This whole thing with the Canadian border is infuriating.  Everybody keeps screaming for an open border with Mexico, a country rife with criminal government offcials and drug lords, yet you have to go through hell to go back and forth to Canada.

It is very sad about your father.  At least you and he loved each other.  I cannot say the same about my father.  I have no respect whatsoever for the man, and even less since I found out something even worse about him, something utterly unforgivable in my eyes.

Be glad that you had a good father, at the very least.

There's no need to worry about the comic, right now the priority is yourself without having to feel gulity for not posting anything for however long you feel you need.

You have my condolences for your father, I very much doubt he'd have held it against you for losing contact with Katrina on his own end given how much of a mess that thing caused. I'm sure to him whatever happened you were a special daughter who brings laughs to people during the week, got married and made her own step in life via Wikus :)

This on top of the border it's really not your year so far in that respect. Still, your priority right now as I said is yourself then you can have another crack at getting everything sorted when you've had a bit of time. No matter what they chuck infront of you I have no doubt you'll conquer the blasted things even if it is turning out far more longwinded than expected.

There's light at the end of every tunnel and for every dark time. I'm sure us lot on the forums and the passing readers are all wishing you well for right now and happily wait for you to come back whenever that may be. In the mean time, I wish you well and send a hug despite being in a completely different country and part of the world  :)

my sincerest condolences at the loss of your father.  i can't even imagine what that is like, no one that close to me has passed yet, altho i know it will come.  all i can offer is a virtual warm hug, and a digital shoulder to cry on.

i pray that whatever this newest obstacle is that has popped up blocking your way from Canada to the US, you will find i way to overcome it, and the rest of the process goes smoothly and without any further hitches.

as for the comic... right now, you have MORE than enough on your plate.  take as MUCH time as you need.. feel NO guilt whatsoever.  if you take a week, fine. if you take a month, i can certainly wait that long.  even if you take a year to grieve and put your affairs into order, so be it. 

i am sorry  :hug

I wish I could say I know whta it feels like, but honestly I don't. The only family members I've ever lost were all people I didn't know so I don't fully understand. Despite this I hope you take the time you need to feel better. I just hope you are able to pull through with everything. Good luck.

Oh dear... :kittydepressed

I haven't much to add that hasn't already been said, Amber, except to offer my own condolences and good wishes.

:mowcookie

I've never posted before, I wanted to let you know how very sorry I am for your loss. I lost my own father just last December, so I know a little bit of what you're going through. I know that there's not really anything anyone can say to make it better, but I hope you can find some comfort in the fact that so many are thinking about you and your family. Take the time that you need, even if it turns out to be longer than you think. *hugs gently*

Amber, take all the time you need to sort through this and recover. We'll be here waiting for you whether it's a day, a week or a month or more. We're all saddened by your loss and hope you can get through this with a minimum of trouble.

 :( There is really nothing I can say, except to wish you strength and that you remember that we are all supporting you. Don't worry about us or the comic - neither come close to this. Go be with those who can physically be there for you now.  :hug We'll be waiting to help you when you need it.

May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.

As someone stated before, there isn't much I can say that hasn't been said already.  Just know that you are not alone and that we all care for you and your well being.  Take time to grieve and get past the idiots that are the border patrol and get back to us when you are in a better state.  

:C

I lost my grandfather on 9/11, only a few hours after the fact.  He wasn't conscious when it happened.  Anyway, I feel your pain Amber.  We all do.  Take all the time you need to straighten out your family, financial, and border issues.  We can wait, and we'll be here when you get back.

I have had family memebers dying on both sides of the family, mostly my mother's side...so I know how you feel, Amber. I felt the same way when my grandfather died a few years back. My prayers go with you and your family.

I am truely sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry to hear all that, Amber, I really am.  You take all the time you need to work out all the crap you're going through, we are willing to wait!

*hugs*
You take the time you need, Amber.  Nobody's going to get pissy if there's not a comic for a while.  We understand.

 :hug

Best wishes, Amber. I know what it's like. Take as long as you need to get back on top of things. We'll be here.

I couldn't possibly say this better than everyone else has said before, but still, I too offer my condolences.  It's hard to lose someone you care for.

Good luck and good fortune, and that goes too for your father.   :hug

Good luck, and take care of yourself for now.

My condolences, Amber. I have little to add to this thread, accept my best wishes.

Not much to say that has not been said but I agree withe everyone; Take your time, Amber. We will all be here for you and be here once you are ready to resume.  Our  condolances are with you.

I'm so sorry.

:<

Wow, life just dumped a big ol' bucket of meanie on you. I do hope the border issues clear up for you. Other than that, I'll just say, as always, if you need to take a break, go for it. Your fans will still be here when you get back. :mowsmile

I know she never mentioned it on the forum, but I spent some time with Amber after Katrina and remember how she was trying to get in contact with her father.  One of her stepbrothers had been in contact with him, and she was trying to check up on where he was. 

Amber, I've been on both side of this kind of thing, and I know how horrible it is.  If you ever feel like talking about it, let me know. 

To everyone else, Amber obviously needs some money right now.  At least we can take care of some travel expenses for her so she won't have to worry about that.  Pay Pal her whatever you can.  I'm sure she needs it, and will greatly appreciate your help. 

As they say, it never rains but it pours.   :mowsad
You and your family have my condolences, and my sympathy. 

Oh my God... I'm so sorry. My prayers go to you and your family, Amber.

i feel sorry for your loss and the troubles that you are having durring them i hope you you can solve them so you can can have time with family matters because afterall family does matter

My prays to you. 
If there is anything we can do don't hesitate to ask.
We DMFA fans are hear to help.

*hugs you* my sympathies on your loss amber, my prayers, and meditations go out to you in your time of loss/need, i think i speak for all of us who enjoy the comic when i say take all the time you need to heal and greave

My condolences; I'm sorry for your terrible loss.  :cry

Amber, I am truly sorry for your loss. May the Lord be with you and yours at this hard time, and remember that no matter what, we love you and support you greatly. You always make our days, so you hold a special place in our hearts.

Please accept my condolences, and I hope for the best in sorting out the other stuff. But I am confident it will work out!

-Seth

*hugs* Spend time with the family that is still around.  You need them, and they need you.  Us fans can wait.

I can only imagine what you are going through right now, Amber. When I think of what would happen if my parents were to die, the mere thought of it is unbearable. I can’t say I have ever been through it myself, but I nonetheless offer my deepest sympathies.

my mom died recently so i know what your going thru. :<

it does get easier, it just takes time

/much :hug and :mowcookie

I'm sorry.

D: *HUGS*

Always terrible news, its so hard to imagine someone close dying. Even the old are a surprise, they've been around so long you cant imagine a world without them. A parent dying,  at least its better then a parent burying their child, the only comfort is knowledge of a relatively painless death, that suffering was minimal.

but the suffering will always linger in those who remain.

i know another person who was just hit hard, and i have no clue how to comfort them either. In addition to the imminent loss of a mother, they also just found out their brother has been dead two years and they just now heard. Stuff like this no ammount of flowers or cookies can fix, but at least it shows someone else cares.

Guys... I hate to be a butt... but you can do more than offer condolences...

You can offer money.

Find the paypal button and send her a buck.  Send her five.  Or twenty.  Or a hundred.  Send her some money to help her take care of a few of these burdens so that we can get back to the story we all love.

You want to really help?  You have two sentators and a number of congress critters to contact.  Tell them about Amber, a native born American, and her problem with the Border.  Unless she's been to Islamabad the last few months there's no excuse for the kind of harassment she has to endure.  And yeah, most likely it will go into the great E-mail trashbin... but maybe it might nudge things in her favor.

And if you post on other forums then drop a thread to ask them for help too.  There are so many people who need help; now is our opportunity to actually help one we know.  Who never once demanded a single cent for access to her creations... to a comic that has for years given me happiness.

And Amber.  Do... NOT... feel guilty about our help.  Don't feel you owe us a special bonus quintuple feature.  All too often some one dies as we feel just as helpless for how to help their loved ones.  Let us give you something to feel in our hearts that we aren't completely helpless in this.

My final piece of advice, and then I'll leave you alone...  cry.  Cry, sob, blubber, and weep.  Cry till your throat is raw and your eyes burn and then cry some more.  Because the one thing worse you can do is not cry and hold it in.  It'll turn heavier and heavier until it becomes like a black hole, consuming everything inside you.  Don't shut off your grief simply because you think its better or easier to deal with the pain.  I did when my father died, and to this day I have no difficulty thinking what a heartless bitch I was for not crying when he did.  Don't do that to yourself.

We're here for you and we care for you.  You're not begging for money.  You don't owe us anything.  Just take it and do whatever you have to do to get better.  And we'll be here waiting.

Be glad of life, for it gives you the chance to learn, to love, and to look at the stars and dream.

Lots of Hugs for Amber..

Really sorry to hear about all that..

:hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug

At a time like this, the only thing that can make depressed person happy is lots of loving comfort from her hubby, and tons of chocolate!  Someone send Amber 1.5 Metric Tons of chocolate, and her hubby can give it to her with lots of loving hugs and kisses and caresses!  Stat!

I'm coming out of my self-imposed lurking to add my condolances to the ones already expressed.  I hope everything goes well and you can make it to the funeral in time. Take your time, take care of yourself and do not worry about the comic. I think I can safely say that we all understand that the comic's not a number one priority right now...

Again, my condolances to you and your family. And I'll be sure to drop a line here and there on other forums I frequent...

I've only just seen the strip and the rant. I'm so sorry to hear that!

Many times I've thought of replying to rants but refrained from doing so because I was sure someone was bound to have said what I wanted to say. Now that's the case too, and I know that whatever I say won't really make a difference, but...

I just want you to know, Amber, that I care for you. I'm one of the many people who do. You've made a difference in our lives and, while none of us is likely to be able to do the same for you, I want you to know that we'll always be there for you.

Quote from: Somber on April 24, 2008, 02:06:52 AM
...You want to really help?  You have two sentators and a number of congress critters to contact.  Tell them about Amber, a native born American, and her problem with the Border.  Unless she's been to Islamabad the last few months there's no excuse for the kind of harassment she has to endure.  And yeah, most likely it will go into the great E-mail trashbin... but maybe it might nudge things in her favor.

Most of Amber's problems crossing the boarder haven't been in getting-into-the-U.S. related, they have been getting-back-into-Canada related, and related to her getting Canadian citizenship.  Just thought I'd remind eveyone.  Maybe some up there can help.

QuoteAnd if you post on other forums then drop a thread to ask them for help too.  There are so many people who need help; now is our opportunity to actually help one we know.  Who never once demanded a single cent for access to her creations... to a comic that has for years given me happiness.

A thread started up almost simultaneously on the Jack forum (http://www.pholph.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14347), and has been at or near the top of the list since.  She has a lot of friends there.  And I agree, money is a good idea right now.  Just PayPal her whatever you can.

Hey Rafe

How are you doing after your brush with Death last week?    I hope you are doing better... Take your vitamins and go to bed... :hug

......I'll be sending money tomorrow (Friday)... and my prayers are with  you and yours, Miss Mab.   

Wishing you the best at this sad moment...  :hug  :hug :mowsad
PBH

   I just wanted to say that every time I look at this topic now, two songs instantly spring to mind--and they ring so truly at this time.
   First one, of course, may or may not have had something to do with the topic title;
   Daniel Powter's Bad Day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3eb2F074js).
   Then is one that is singing out in almost eveyone's posts;
   The Rembrants I'll Be There For You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=739JpsT-k8A).
   I can only hope these songs help in some small way, since the meaning of both of these songs seem to match the description of what's going almost perfectly.

Quote from: Prof B Hunnydew on April 24, 2008, 09:52:00 PM
Hey Rafe

How are you doing after your brush with Death last week?    I hope you are doing better... Take your vitamins and go to bed... :hug

There were some similarities with Amber's situation and mine which I think might help her, but talkng about it is going to be up to her.  I'm still dealing with the damage that did to me, but I'm still alive and can at least sit up and type now.

But Amber's the one who needs help right now.  I want her to know that she has the strength to deal with this, and the prayers of everyone here.

From my family to yours, Amber, our deepest sympathies and prayers at this time.

*hugs*

There's not much to say in a situation like this... Just know that there are TONS of people around the world who want to support you.

May the powers that be be with you.

Mostly, I like to dance.

Looks like you're caught in a bastard, girl. Godspeed breaking out of it.

Quote from: Rafe on April 25, 2008, 12:18:31 AM

There were some similarities with Amber's situation and mine which I think might help her, but talkng about it is going to be up to her.  I'm still dealing with the damage that did to me, but I'm still alive and can at least sit up and type now.

But Amber's the one who needs help right now.  I want her to know that she has the strength to deal with this, and the prayers of everyone here.

It is good we still have you around, Rafe...  :hug

 I sent a donation to MissMab paypal.. But I forgot to write a note with it...   Hopefully, Amber can get to family and friends and/or is still looking in on us to see these posts....  We are all here for Amber and we are pulling for you.  

Love and Hugs
PBH

I will have draw something for Amber, for this...

Amber, while technically my first post in this forum should have been in the Villa, I just wanted to pass through to offer you my deepest condolences; a kind crossover denizen gave us the sad news over at the Freefall forum. The small drop I placed in your bucket was ten times bigger in my heart, and my thoughts are with you as you move into a new season of your life. :hug

Sincerely,
-The Old Wolf

Amber, having only experienced the death of pets (2 gerbils, 2 gold fish, 4 rats, 1 guinea pig) I can't fully understand what a close relative dying must feel live. But if its as heart wrenching as I imagine that you have my sympathy and best wishes.

One song that came to mind reading this topic is Dido's  'See The Sun'
I'd recommend it.

One thing that bothered me about the death of the pets was that I didn't seem to really 'feel' their deaths, I only cried for one, the goldfish (Which makes no sense to me, I didn't really like him) I guess it's the shock more than anything, if you have any kind of warning, even subconsciously, it seems to prepare you a little.

To all those who have lost loved ones, my sympathy and best wishes.

Amber;

I registered at this forum for the sole purpose of expressing my best wishes in your times of trouble.

Death happens; life goes on.  Right now it all seems as it it's too much.  But it will get better with time.  It may never stop hurting entirely, but it will get better.  Remember that there are people around you, in real life and on the net, who are family and friends, who love you, like you, respect you, and admire you.

You'll make it.

joe

My deepest condolences for you on the loss of your father. Take as much time as you need, take more time than you need... Don't force yourself to do anything for us.

We will be back if / when you choose to return. As I have sat here, looking at the various smilies, the only one that even remotely seems to properly indicate what I want to say is:  :mowsad

Dealing with the death of someone so close is a tough cookie. Loved as DMFA doubtless is, there are things more important in life than webcomics (shock and awe!), and recovery is one of them.

You and your family have my well-wishings and condolences. I would recommend, though, taking as much time as you need to grieve and rest. Flattering as text-messages filled with expressions of sympathy are, no amount of internet pals and bloggers can give you the reinforcement you might need. Please don't hesitate to take all the time in the world to spend with those you know and love in person. I can guarantee the fanbase will still be around when you get back. =P
(Whether that's a blessing or a curse some days, I'll let you make up your own mind.)

Chin up. You work hard and fill the world with colour - You're in serious deserving of some time off. &hearts;

Hydina