I do apologize for having to break such harsh news the other day, but I felt it was definitely important enough. To everyone that has sent condolences and emotional support, even to those that I seldom talk to, I can't thank you all enough. I may not be a demonstrative sort of person but I mean this genuinely and earnestly and it matters an inestimable amount. We're hanging in there, my remaining brother and my sister-in-law will be coming over from Alaska for a few days, which should help quite a bit, especially regarding my mother who has taken it the worst (understandably). The service will be this Thursday and I'm already working hard on a memorial piece to be done by then, which I'll share when it's completed.

I'm not going into details since the circumstances of my dear brother's passing is not light fare to talk about. Suicide and depression is a contentious topic that I do not want to get into a debate over, especially since certain family members that didn't know him personally are already slinging arrows. There is no closure for our sadness. But with the exception of those extremely small few, both of his families (ours and his adopted one) are completely free of judgement, still love him and just miss him, myself included.

Naturally, I will still be scarce from my usual online haunts for a bit longer but I will still be working on owed art. I'm strong and recalcitrant so I will work through the sorrow easily enough, at least as "easy" as one can imagine in a situation like this.

You're all so ace for being so patient, understanding and sympathetic to the little sister he left behind. That is all.