March 29, 2024

Loss

I don’t typically like to divulge too much of my personal life – especially in a public forum such as this. But I’m going through a difficult time right now and felt the need to express myself…

Have you ever lost someone? Maybe it was a parent or a grandparent. Maybe it was a spouse or significant other. Maybe it was even a sibling or a friend. Whatever the case, we’ve all been there, so just put yourself in that memory, and you’ll have some idea of the personal loss that I’m experiencing right now. I don’t want to reveal any more information than that, but just imagine that kind of distress and how you responded to it.

Through the grieving process everyone has their own way of coping, some take time away from work, some self-medicate, some become temporarily reclusive – but we all have one thing in common: We hurt.

Now, imagine coping with that hurt and having a job where it isn’t possible to take time away – even more difficult, imagine being unable to take that time – and on top of that, having to try to be funny. Have you ever tried to make someone else laugh or smile, or have you ever tried to be witty or clever while going through your own personal firestorm? I suppose in a way, I’m lucky though. I can’t imagine how actors or comedians do it. They have to go onstage and put on a smile, laugh and mask the sorrow they’re feeling. At least I can wallow in my grief while hiding behind my comic.

Anyhow, I’m a resilient person and things will get better for me – they always do. In the meantime, I just want to thank everyone for reading my comic and for all of the positive e-mail and enthusiastic comments and feedback I’ve received. Until I recover from my own loss, I will continue to try make you laugh or at least smile – even if that means posting pictures of myself wearing a tu-tu, a pirate hat and some hush puppies.
There. See? I’m trying already.
Just stick with me.

Comments

  1. Rick Ellis says:

    Scott,

    I’m sorry to hear you are going through a loss. I know how it is ( my father passed away this past May).
    All I can say is that humor is very cathartic and that the good memories help heal the soul.

    Rick

  2. Scott Nickel says:

    Scott,

    Please accept my condolences. Although each person’s experience is unique, and I won’t presume to know exactly what you’re feeling, I understand about loss all to well. My dad died when I was 16 after a long illness and my mom passed away suddenly from an aneurysm 11 years ago.

    It’s tough. I hope you were able to say your good-byes. That helps bring some closure. Although, with all emotional pain, time is the best healer.

    Having to be funny during the bad times is the part of being a professional cartoonist that sucks.

    But as Rick said, maintaining your sense of humor is like a lifeline when you’re dealing with pain and loss.

    Hang in there, man, and let me know if I can be of any help.

    Scott

  3. Wit says:

    I know exactly what yer talking about.

  4. Jonathan says:

    Scott, sorry to hear about your loss. I know these can be tough times but as Rick said humor can really help lighten the load.

    Best
    Jonathan

  5. Scott M. says:

    Scott,

    My condolences. My dad died from cancer four years ago. He was only 63.

    Dealing with a loss is a strange process. There are times you feel relatively okay and then suddenly a random memory triggers some intense emotions. Hopefully your cartooning will be a good stabilizer, even though it’s difficult to be funny during hard times.

    Hang in there.

    Scott

  6. Anonymous says:

    Just a note to the MOST talented and amazing man I have ever known. I love you…
    Congratulations to you, sweetheart. :) I hope you know I am by your side…for always. Hush puppies and all,
    Always,
    Kristi

  7. Rick Ellis says:

    Scott,

    I hope everything is going better.

    Rick

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