This Animator Illustrates His Life With Two Kids After His Wife Passed Away

Keeping a diary is a common and therapeutic habit. It allows an order to the cluttered feelings and thoughts that occur throughout our everyday lives. Naturally, if for an animator, a diary can take on a visual format and become a 'doodle diary.'

That's what former Disney illustrator Gary Andrews began doing on his 54th birthday, being a happily married father of two children, documenting the joy of his family life. Sadly, tragedy was to strike as Gary would become a widower and single parent within three years.

While he was away on a work trip to Canada, his wife Joy became ill with what they thought to be a simple flu. Nevertheless, it soon became obvious that it was much more severe than that, so Gary rushed home to be close to his beloved. When he arrived back in the UK, he had to learn the devastating news: Joy had died from sepsis.

Completely shocked by Joy's sudden onset of the illness and tragic death, Gary struggled to discover a way to deal with his overwhelming grief. He decided to open up his notebook and let his devastating emotions pour out onto the pages.

Throughout his grieving process, the illustrator continued with his doodle diary, recording all the ups and downs of his everyday life with his children, the good days and the bad as well. The process of putting his thoughts and feelings down on paper helped him to cope, allowing him to vent his emotions. Happiness is a recurring part of his doodles; Garry also manages to capture the continuing joy and fun that his kids bring to his life, navigating the world of a single parent.

Sepsis is a silent killer, and the artist hopes to raise awareness for an illness which is frequently regarded as an afterthought for many doctors. The symptoms, including fever, blotchy skin, sickness, and dizziness, are often mistaken for other illnesses, and they're not recognized until too late. If it's captured early on, it can be treated with mild antibiotics. However, Gary doesn't blame anybody for Joy's death, as it was simply bad luck.

The happiest moments lead to the worst pain. I think the sun coming out just made me think of you. Still can’t believe you are gone. #doodleaday #widowerlife #sepsissucks #copingwithgrief pic.twitter.com/aFYFSjV3VB

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) April 20, 2018

She would have SO loved this. I can picture her now, scarcely able to breathe from laughing so much, both at how much fun it was and at how ridiculous I must have looked. She may have gone but she’s still with me, all the time. #doodleaday #widowerlife pic.twitter.com/vpsHsIGWcY

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) April 22, 2018

What’s always so amazing is how suddenly your feelings can change - and change back again. Grief is an unpredictable companion. Getting used to it though. Friends are amazing and an absolute lifeline. Be open with everyone #doodleaday #widowerlife #sepsissucks #copingwithgrief pic.twitter.com/t0inKM0JD7

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) April 25, 2018

Half a year. Still hard to process. Keep expecting you to come through the door. #doodleaday #widowerlife pic.twitter.com/ky0fRjEM2B

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) April 27, 2018

I’m not alone, right? Right? #doodleaday #widowerlife pic.twitter.com/NIgHbQ1dTM

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) April 15, 2018

Don’t knock it. One day they will be too big for this... #doodleaday #widowerlife #family pic.twitter.com/4u8SwR0pYu

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) April 12, 2018

Away with the kids in the bosom of family, deep in rural France. Always came here as a family so as you can imagine the emotions are incredibly complex. Happy but deeply moved. #doodleaday #widowerlife #sepsissucks pic.twitter.com/r8m9KZaoB3

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) March 30, 2018

I asked what they missed most. Lily said “Her being funny” and Ben said “Everything”. Bless them. Such a huge thing to happen to them in their young lives. But we are strong together and they know they can talk to me about it whenever they want. And they will. #doodleaday pic.twitter.com/gBhWlfUNIq

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) January 31, 2018

I just miss the sound of her breathing... #doodleaday #widowerlife pic.twitter.com/xbRXfho4GH

— Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler) March 13, 2018