Cave Update December '23

[@BarbBColorReader]

Oh my gosh, Gem, PLEASE take all the time you need to deal with your grief. We are here for you.

[@Thia-saurus]

Words are failing me (I think I've said that before, haven't I?), but you do know my thoughts and feelings about everything. Take your time, Gem, and do what's best for you. I think going to therapy is a great idea. Sometimes we do need help from the outside. The Cavers are here for you, I do hope it's okay that I spoke for everyone there!

[@MrsBarnabas]

Here's an idea: How about we all go back and watch all last year's Cavemas videos? It'll keep the channel alive to the algorithm, and maybe help Gem with revenue, as well? If you like this, please will you pass it on to the next person in the comments? I can't post it on all of them as I'll be picked up as a tr o ll! Thanks!

[@marelizedutoit6320]

Take care of yourself first! Your wellbeing is the most important. Good luck through this time, we will still be here when you are back.

[@misschrissymcd]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I suffered the same type of horrific loss while caring for my uncle. I describe it like an earthquake to my brain and heart. Be gentle with yourself, do whatever brings you a sense of peace, even for a moment. If you can, I urge you to be in touch with a support group. I found one specifically for suicide. It was very helpful. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. We'll be here. ❤

[@KarenHavenaar]

Goodness Gem, I have no words and just want to give you a big, big, big hug. Take your time, everybody will understand and if they don't, they don't have an empathetic bone in their bodies. I hope Jock and Pip can help you with your grief. Again, big, big hugs.

[@MrsBarnabas]

Here's an idea: How about we all go back and watch all last year's Cavemas videos? It'll keep the channel alive to the algorithm, and maybe help Gem with revenue, as well? If you like this, please will you pass it on to the next person in the comments? I can't post it on all of them as I'll be picked up as a tr o ll! Thanks!

[@KarenHavenaar]

@@MrsBarnabas That sounds like a great idea. I watch this channel a lot, even though by now I've watch almost every video. I'll repost your post to the next person.

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@KarenHavenaar Thank you! 😊

[@coloringwithd]

My dear Gem. Take all the time you need to take care of yourself and grieve. My brother passed away 5 weeks ago. I was advised to let myself grieve and take care of myself by eating and drinking healthy. My Therapist was correct I really needed to take that time. Am I over it? No, but I’m better off now than I was. We, your followers understand your need and will be here when you feel better. Many hugs 🤗 for you.

[@jodiwright3494]

I was missing you. Truly. Thank you so much for checking in. Please take the time you need. We love you, you are special and I hope you know that. I hope to see yourself again in 2024. Large hugs!

[@greenhat5137]

March-Mas sounds great! I'm so sorry for your loss Gem, please take care of yourself. At the end of the day your health and wellbeing comes first. Much love and squishes to all affected.

[@colorcrazy2944]

Thanks!

[@doodlewithgeorge]

I'm so sorry about your loss. Healing takes time and I commend your taking the necessary steps to deal with your grief. Your channel brings joy and release to so many people and the gift of your time is appreciated. Take as long as you need - we'll be here when you return.

[@lucieneedham3318]

Never apologise for needing time grief is hard I lost someone close to me and I was with them at their last breath and grief is not something you can get over quickly so take as long as you need and I will be here when you get back. Take care of yourself xx

[@colorcrazy2944]

Suicide is so hard on the friends and family. Take all the time you need. If you are not ready by March, in my area merchants promote "Christmas in July". That could be a good time for your Cavemas videos too. I gave you a donation, save time & shipping.

[@JillLalande]

Oh Gem ❤ you have been a rock for so many people, now its time to be there for yourself. As much as we will miss you, it is so important to take care of yourself. I love the idea of a March celebration if you're up to it by then.

[@Mirrigold]

Oh Gem, I can empathise totally, lost a friend to a similar situation when I was in my early 20s. You do what's best for you, the channel will be here waiting for you when you're ready to give it the mental space, but until then, take care of you, you're the important one and you shouldn't feel like this is an extra pressure on you. Sending massive hugs and all the love to you and everyone else who is grieving. Also I don't mind keeping up my Cave Membership even though you're not posting, the Cave's more than just the videos 💗

[@ColourwithClaire]

Oh Gem, I am so saddened to hear you have suffered such a huge and sudden loss. Please take all the time you need to return to the channel and find comfort in art again. We will all be here waiting for you. Xx

[@justme9151]

Take care of yourself and your heart!

[@salishseaquest7952]

Gem, a heartfelt hug for you as you process this loss. You were brave to share this with all of us. Take all the time you need to heal as you adjust to your new normal. Do what you must to make sense of this loss. Yes, when you are ready, a Birthday Bonanza would be fine.

[@melfallon]

So sorry for your loss, Gem. Please take all the time you need 💚

[@juliennegagne8962]

Oh Gem, please take the time you need to heal. Feel the feelings and work through them. I will be waiting for your return, whenever that may be! Sending lots of love, hugs and courage to you and all that loved your friend, Glyn. Take care and know that we love you.

[@kassvea8534]

Dear Gem, please take care of yourself and take all the time you need! I am looking forward to hearing from you for the cave birthday or any time after whenever you feel up to it.

[@k.f.3609]

Gem, i'm so sorry for your loss. Please take all the time you need. We'll be there when you get back. Feel hugged.

[@chraea]

Gem I am so sorry for your loss. I'm thankful you are taking any time you need. We'll be here when you're ready to come back so be sure to do what is best for you. Take care! ❤

[@sarahnash7174]

Oh Gem I'm so very sorry! Please do not apologise for anything. Sending you so much love and care, I want to give you a massive hug. Please look after yourself, we will all be here when you are ready and able to come back. 💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@loriann70]

Grief is a very personal struggle that we each face differently. Do whatever is needed to help you deal with this horrendous time. We will all be here if or when you need us. Hugs

[@JessicaSzempruch]

I’m so sorry Gem. I completely understand, and I will pray for you and Glyn’s family during this difficult time. Take all time you need. We cavers will be here for you when you feel ready to return.

[@thinkerdreamersketcherspy]

Oh, such sad news. 💔 Sorry for your loss. You've been very good with keeping us updated, so no worries and take all the time you need. Take care. 🫂

[@tereleegray3443]

My dear Gem, I am 💔 for you. Know you are in my thoughts. Please take care of your own mental health and take all the time you need to grieve. We will be here when you're ready to return. If you are up to it in March, a Cave birthday would be good. Big hugs.

[@atouchofsparkle1]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am delighted you are talking to someone and I am sure that will help with you processing your grief. Take all the time you need, we will all be here when you are ready to come back. ❤

[@Lionessfeather]

Oh Gem, I'm so sorry to hear that. Totally understandable that you're taking a break until you have the space for it again. I hope that all the pain and grief eases a bit. I always love your videos but I am more than happy to wait until you feel able to be here again

[@fionagray9319]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself and take your time. Xx

[@mrscb5303]

🥺 my heart breaks for you and his family and friends. If and when you continue this channel I’ll be here but please PLEASE take care of you first. Sending love and hugs from the west coast of the US. 💌

[@annejansen428]

I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. It’s good to hear you are going to therapy and I appreciate your keeping us informed. A Cave birthday event sounds like an excellent idea provided you are up to it by then. I will content myself with older videos until you are ready to return, please take the best care possible of yourself.

[@Liza-re1kh]

God bless and support you all. Take care of yourself and we will still be here when you are ready. ❤❤❤

[@jillwiswall5386]

Oh, my heart aches for yours. Please take care of yourself and do what you need to without worrying about the channel. We will be here when you’re ready to resume. Sending virtual hugs.

[@venecha]

Gem - take all the time you need. We are here for you and you take care of you and yours. Much love to you. We'll be here if/when you feel ready to return. 🫂

[@NancyHey-n8y]

So sorry to hear such sad news. My heart aches for you. Much love xx

[@Dracosekt]

Please take care of yourself ❤️ I’ve also experienced what you’re going through. It takes time and you need to take that time. ❤hugs❤

[@selenep1193]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please continue to take care of yourself and allow yourself whatever arises in your grieving process. There is no set time frame for grief do what you need to do for you in your own time. Much love to you.

[@ericahealey]

My heart is broken for you. Mental health is so important…..take your time and know that we will be here for you. ❤

[@angelacalder328]

Dearest gem. Firstly I send my love and hugs to you on the loss of your beautiful friend. Life shocks are incredibly hard to deal with and you need to take time for you to try and accept what has has happened but we will all be here when you can bring the cave back. I send all my love to you and your husband. Gentle hugs lovely lady xxx

[@angelabezanson5070]

My heart goes out to you Gem 💔 It takes a lot of courage and strength to process such a tragedy. Please know that we’re here for you 🫂 My nan and I will be thinking of you over the holidays as Cavemas has become a tradition while she visits over the holidays. Life is fluid, you give us Cavers so much please take care and all the time you need. Immerse yourself with the healing love of your family and friends this holiday season. Sending you love 💗🫂🌲

[@michelleward6910]

So sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need to grieve (but also celebrate) your friend. Looking after yourself should be your only priority. We all hope to see you back here - if and when you are ready!! 💔

[@joloveseyart]

Sorry for your loss. Please don't feel the need to apologise. Please look after yourself. Having been on both sides it's incredibly hard for all. Big hugs and always a listening ear. X

[@SorrensSorrow]

Grieve Gem. Worry not we will be here when your ready to come back hugssss

[@blackrose538]

Take all the time you need, Gem. I'll miss you and your videos in the meantime, but I'll be here when you return. Hugs and much love for you, Gem. I wouldn't mind staying a member, either. But I'll definitely stay on the Discord.

[@lindabell7975]

So sorry for your loss ❤ xxx

[@pamcarr4963]

oh Gem, im so sorry for your loss, i recently lost my mum to cancer, it was so quick and my family are like you wondering what we do with the overwhelming feelings.. not sure how we will celebrate, we have lots of little grandkids that are excited for Santa, it was mums fave time of year, so we need to get thru this, sending love and hugs, take as much time as you need xx

[@alicemlovegrove]

Take care and take time. Nobody worth anything will mind.

[@kimhorringa7591]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Gem. I understand how lose is so emotionally difficult. Please take care of yourself. I will miss you so much. You helped me through some emotionally difficult times when I lost my brother this year. I wish I could return the favor to you. I will be so happy when you come back. Please keep us updated. ❤

[@milenaklien9308]

Dear Gem, take all the time you need! I am so sorry for you. I send you many good thoughts.

[@jicolourist]

Gentle hugs to you Gem from Canada. A birthday bonanza is a great idea, take your time to heal.

[@cuppa.books.]

I lost someone in July and it's such a devasting thing. Take care of yourself 💜

[@susanthorburn823]

Look after yourself and take all the time you need. A birthday bash sounds good if your ready by then. Will be here for you when your ready to come back xx

[@eljay1980]

Gem please take as much time as you need. My best friend took his own life on 5th November 2006, so I can completely understand the shock, disbelief, anger and every other emotion that goes on and even now I have so many unanswered questions, so I am glad to hear that you are taking much needed time for yourself. Your own wellbeing and mental health is so important and I am sure that Glyn would want you to put yourself first. Sending love and lots of gentle hugs at this incredibly difficult and sad time. Take care of yourself xxx

[@jaynethurston823]

I'm so sorry for your loss. 😢 It is never an easy thing to go through at any time. Gem, you take the time you need to grieve, and we will all be here waiting for your return there is no rush. Until we see you again, you and the MR have a Happy Christmas (as you can) Love from 🇨🇦

[@Lindanapier2011]

My thoughts are with you gem take all the time you need 😢 we will all still be here once your feeling upto it

[@nickimcpheehals572]

So sorry for your loss. Loosing loved ones is devastating no matter what the reasons. My husband lost his 16-year-old son to suicide and he's still grieving. (that was 15 years ago) Therapy helps, but It's the thing of never knowing the real answer of why. Only the person that does it, knows. My heart hurts for you and I will pray you find the courage to accept the loss and remember the good times. I will miss you immensely but will look forward to your return. Gonna head over to your shop now and find something good. Love and Hugs to you.

[@MrsBarnabas]

Here's an idea: How about we all go back and watch all last year's Cavemas videos? It'll keep the channel alive to the algorithm, and maybe help Gem with revenue, as well? If you like this, please will you pass it on to the next person in the comments? I can't post it on all of them as I'll be picked up as a tr o ll! Thanks!

[@heathers_colorpalooza8789]

Gem I’m sending my deepest and most sincere condolences. I am so sorry that that happened. The grief of losing a loved one is difficult at any time but losing our loved ones during the holiday season is particularly sad and difficult. Also the grief associated with the loss of a loved one due to suicide is a different kind of grieving process so please take all the time you need and get the help that you need to help you process this and try to come to terms with it. I know I’ll be waiting patiently for your return as I’m sure all the rest of the channel subscribers will be as well. Hope to see you again very soon. Prayers and blessings to you.

[@thrashhippie]

Oh Gem, I’m so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. You have nothing to apologise for. Very glad to hear you’ll be seeing a therapist though, grief is very hard. Please look after yourself. Take care 🫂.

[@karenthomson7759]

I am truly sorry, please look after yourself x

[@oxheysarah]

So sorry Gem look after yourself big hugs and much love 🫂

[@KitarraChaosWeaver]

Oh my goodness. I am so so sorry about your friend. This is an especially bad time for something like this and I am sorry you are going through something like this. Please take all the time you need. Obviously your mental health and your family come first. We will be here when and if you are ready to come back.

[@sarahsreviews5753]

I’m so sorry for your loss & I’m sending my best wishes to you and all of Glyn’s family and friends. Take time for yourself to grieve and heal, it’s sure to be a long process so don’t pressure yourself to come back too fast or even to stick to a certain schedule at first. I’m sure I won’t be the only one who will be happy to wait until you’re ready to post content again

[@ColzoArt]

Gem, I want to send you so, so much love. I’ve experienced something slightly similar, I’m just want you to know you are loved so much. It is totally understandable for you to take time. We will be here when you’re ready.

[@colorsofmylife3129]

So sorry. Take care of urself

[@teresamcdaniel3554]

So very sorry for your loss. Suicide is such a hard thing to deal with, unfortunately it seems to have become much more prevalent. I’m sorry to say that it’s very likely that most of us have had to deal with such a loss. Please give yourself all the time you need, so glad to hear that you’re seeking help. Sending you a huge hug ❤️

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

Please take all of the time that you need and go through the grieving process and I'm thrilled that you're getting help for it because when I have gone through these things I didn't have help and it took so long. I thought to my prayers are with you and all of the loved ones of the dear friends that you've lost. Something that helps me is to try to remember the good and wonderful times that I miss with the loved ones that I have lost. I know that it will take time for you to be able to do this but when that time comes remind yourself not to feel guilty for thinking of all of the good things. God bless you and be with you as you go through this, you are not alone 💖.

[@janscott9151]

Look after yourself. Forget us - your mental health is the only thing that matters here. Come back when you can, if you can. Thanks for the explanation - it's so very brave of you and must have been so hard. You know where I am if you ever need anything.

[@kellydunigan2525]

What a horrible horrible thing for you to go through, I am so very sorry for your loss, I hope that therapy is helpful for you, please take your time losing someone is the worst part of being a human, we will all be waiting for you when you feel up to coming back please take all the time you need, I’m sure we are all happy to re-watch older videos to keep your channel moving xx

[@Cathy_in_colour]

I'm so sorry. Look after yourself. I've been meaning to stock up on some spares for my most used Polychromos pencils, so I'll do that through the shop sooner rather than later.

[@TheColourCave]

Thank you so much, I really, really appreciate it.

[@Cathy_in_colour]

@@TheColourCave order just gone in. Take care x

[@Swordravenstar]

Thank you Gem for the update, and I'm very sorry about your sad news. Fingers crossed for the return of Colour Cave whenever you are ready, your warm hearted and good humoured videos really helped me through Lockdown and inspired me to do art again. Not only that you have such useful knowledge and experience of many different products and how well they perform.

[@Goddess452]

I’m so sorry about your friend and it’s absolutely understandable that you need time and space to let things sink in and process before you can even began to think about the future, the cave etc. We’ll always be here waiting for your return, ready to show our support and love for you. It’s so important to take time for yourself and to properly heal and deal with your emotions, rather than just trying to brush them aside. Stay strong, think of all the wonderful memories you’ve shared with your friend, Glen and let everyone support you as much as you can allow and remember doggy hugs are great for when you’re feeling down.😢😊🫂

[@aprill551]

Loving on you Gem. Take the time you need. KZbin can wait. And I just donated to the gofundme for Glyn.

[@kerryoneill1210]

I'm sooooooo sorry for your loss! Sending you a big, big hug.

[@cathydrolet3152]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself. 🫂

[@brigitteitg]

I am so so sorry for your loss, Gem, what devastating news. Of course you will need your time to come to terms with this and heal as much as possible. You should take as long as it takes, we‘ll be here for you. Thank you for letting us know how we can support you now, I will browse the shop and put in an order. Lots of love! Brigitte x

[@TheColourCave]

Thank you so much. I will have most of the shop items up tomorrow. I appreciate you!

[@emilythrelfall8703]

Hi Gem. I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Take all the time you need to process your grief and I'm sure everyone who watches your videos will be here waiting for you when you feel you are ready to come back. Take care of yourself x

[@mjpete27]

I hope you know that we are supporting you and everything you need to do to help yourself get over this trial. You might reconsider shutting down access to your other videos, there are people that put off working on videos that they have waiting for them. You can accept help from the people who have every desire for your continued health and success! I know how you are feeling, one of the people that I looked up to and they were a true friend from school, we both volunteered for the Air Force, we both were mechanics! After he left the military, his wife left him and he just never recovered, no conversation helped him with his depression and he ended his life. I still miss him even after 20 years. Please take the time you need to ensure your own health and happiness. It is ok to continue on with your life and find joy once again.

[@janisvogt1079]

❤

[@lisapt6702]

So very sorry Gem. My best friend took her life years ago and it is just so devastating. Sending you and all involved my best wishes and hopes as you navigate through your grief.

[@TheColourCave]

I'm sorry you had to go through it too. It's a pain like no other.

[@gilscot100]

❤️♥️❤️

[@SakennaM]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you get all the help you need and I hope that it does get easier over time. It's my first Cavemas and I've never been to a Cave birthday, so I have no idea about any parties or giveaway, but I do want to say that the idea for the Cavemas was great and I'm quite interested what you found out. I'll happily wait for the results until whenever you're better and stuff. Take care! Edit: is the Discord a members only thing? I've not seen a link anywhere. Edit to the edit: watched the video until the end and figured it out.

[@dariavitale7325]

This type of thing happens far too often and affects so many people. My heart hurts for you 💔

[@MrsBarnabas]

Finally plucking up the courage to post this here, hoping it might help someone else... Caution: personal testimony, and I'm in a much better situation now! Looking at this from the perspective of someone who's been very close to committing suicide four times (getting into the car and heading for a high bridge to jump off, once, with a bottle of strong pain killers in my hand, about to take a handful of them... ) during a marriage of mental and emotional abuse from my husband. *I didn't tell anyone, ever, how I was feeling, or that I wanted to end my life. I hadn't even mentioned the issue in my diary.* I don't know why Glyn took his own life. I don't know his reasons for not telling anyone, but I do sort-of understand it. I also understand why those of us left behind feel so devastated / ask ourselves, "Why didn't I see this coming? What did I do to contribute to this situation?" and all the other questions and feeling of guilt that pile in on us, the sense of having let the person down... So what I am trying to say, from the point of view of almost doing the same thing myself, and listening to others when they talk to me, is that *we don't tell people. We don't talk about it. We don't tell our best friends,* we don't ask the doctor for help. We don't want to 'bother' others. We don't want to be a nuisance, a bore, a 'sorry-for-myself'. And we don't always realise just how hurt people are going to be, the agony they will go through, after the fact. *It is not the fault of those left behind who loved them,* those who are left with the pain and all the questions. It's not the fault of the person who took / want to take their life. For us, it seems like the only, the most logical way out of the mess. When I had the serious breakdown in 2021 - 22, the one person who knew about it was one of the three who'd contributed to it - someone everyone here where I live looks up to. To others, I was just 'very unwell'. I talk about that now, but not about what caused it, and not to people here, where I live. It's why I'm able to talk to you now. You don't know the people involved. I can talk about the marriage issues now, the almost-suicides it caused, (I divorced him after 30 years of marriage, in 2009), and recently, the breakdown, because it's been helpful to others, to know that they're taken seriously. Those left asking the questions realise that I understand where they are at, too. But I don't say a lot, don't give a lot of details, because they don't need it. They only need to know that I understand a little bit about where they are at, and am listening to them, and taking them seriously. They don't always need answers, just the listening, non-judgemental ear. *But at the time, I couldn't talk to anyone. It just was impossible,* So I'm hoping that something here has helped you, too.

[@demi3115]

Yeah, most people who do have suicidal thoughts (whether passive or active) obviously do have a mental health history, but the taboo is often too big. People's reaction are often very harsh / not understanding.

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@demi3115 "most people who do have suicidal thoughts (whether passive or active) obviously do have a mental health history," I'm not sure that this is true. Do you have links to further information to help me out, please? I certainly didn't, and don't have a mental health history, and those I've been able to help don't either. It's been a case of an overwhelming event pushing us too far, and where we've coped with a lot before, we just haven't felt able to cope with this, to see the way through it. The longing for it to be over and done with forever takes over - and not everyone encounters the 'passing stranger' or has the unexpectedly understanding friend, who have been able to listen and to help at that critical moment. But I agree with you, 100% on this: " the taboo is often too big. People's reaction are often very harsh / not understanding."

[@janeb2958]

::virtual hugs:::

[@Petra0612]

😥

[@MrsBarnabas]

🤗 🫂

[@fuzzydragons]

self care is way more important than making videos, take all the time you need to try and sort out your own mental health and those close to you. hug the dogs and everyone close to and please get in contact with your mental health team in the area if you feel like you need extra help 🫂