For those who haven’t heard about this already,
Two days ago my 79 year old father, Cameron Sparks, was brutally assaulted in the painting studio below the family home. He’s still in intensive care at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, out of immediate danger but heavily sedated to assist with the healing process. Unrecognisible due to the swelling and all the tubes and wires coming out of his body. He has no fractures or spinal injuries, although don’t ask me how. I saw the pool of blood on the studio floor amidst the carnage of smashed glass and broken picture frames. We won’t know if he has brain damage until they wake him up. Prognosis is apparently good but at his age… You know what I’m saying.
The mentally ill neighbour who did this to him has been charged with attempted murder. That’s all I’m going to say about the crime itself. The incident has been widely reported in the media. The hospital received so many calls that they actually appointed a media liaison to fend of requests for family interviews, etc.
Mum is coping extremely well. We’re overwhelmed by the kindness, support and practical assistance offered by neighbours and friends. Our family is small and mostly located interstate and overseas, so friends and neighbours stepping up to help has been invaluable.
My father is a truly loved and respected man, more than I think he ever realised. Here’s a family photo from better days.
57 Comments
I hope your dad recovers soon and good luck to you and your family.
Thinking of you, Cat. Some of the worst experience of my life have been in hospital waiting rooms. Glad to hear you have people on the spot helping you get through this.
That’s terrible, terrible news. I hope your father makes a full and speedy recovery.
Our thoughts are with you.
So very sorry to hear this. I hope he makes a speedy and full recovery.
Cat, I read that when it happened – and had no idea of the link. I hope your Dad gets better soon – he’s a really talented artist and is lucky to have you and Mum and the rest of your family and friends to support him.
Oh Cat!
I’m thinking of you and your family. May your father have a full and speedy recovery.
Oh honey. I’m so sorry.
This sucks beyond the telling. All good thoughts to you and yours.
Please keep us posted here. There are a lot of people thinking about you and your family, and especially your dad. Take care – I hope he recovers quickly and fully.
*hugs*
Very sorry to hear that. Hope his recovery is speedy.
Good lord, Cat, I’m so sorry to hear this. If you need a bed to crash in, our place is available.
I read about this in our local paper and hoped it didn’t have anything to do with you. I hope he makes a full recovery.
aaaghh, Cat. What can I say… fuck.
MDP
Oh my god that is awful
I’m so very sorry
I hope he’s better so fast the doctors call it miraculous
Sending every good thought there is out your way. Hang in there.
Your family is in my prayers. Hopefully you dad will recover fully with no lasting effects.
I’m glad there are people nearby to help you out, Cat. I hope your dad recovers quickly.
That’s absolutely dreadful. I don’t know what to say. Much sympathy from both of us.
You, your dad and your family are in Sonia and my thoughts. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
Thinking of you and your family, Cat. Stay strong.
Cat,
I’m shocked, and I hope that your dad completely recovers. This is terrible. Hang in there for him and your mom.
Oh my God.
I’m so sorry… If there’s anything we can do, just say the word…
I am so sorry to read this. Anita and I send our love, condolences and well-wishes.
OMG! How terrifying. I hope he’s okay and recovers quickly.
I’m gonna go ring my parents now…
Very sorry to hear that, Cat. I hope your father recovers well and fast.
Here’s more good wishes coming from the other side of the planet. If there’s anything either the Czarina or I can do, please let us know.
I am staggered and horrified by this news. And awed by you and your mother’s courage. For whatever it’s worth, I’m praying to my gods for all of you.
Oh, Cat, rdmasters and I are wishing you all minimum stress and your Dad a full and speedy recovery.
We’re so very sorry this happened.
Wishing your father a speedy recovery.
will light a candle for him… Daddies are special and should be around for their Girls.
Jesus, I’m so sorry, Cat. I hope everything turns out all right and your dad will be up and about soon.
I’m so sorry, what a horrific thing to have happen to your father and your family. Hope he recovers quickly.
That’s awful. Hope he gets better as soon as possible.
My very best wishes to you and your family too, I hope a full recovery is on the books.
OMG! I’m really sorry to hear this. To have this happen, and happen in one’s studio. Where it happens is irrelevant, of course, and the important thing is for him to recover fully. Just that an artist’s studio is like a scantuary–I hope he’s able to adjust back to the studio when he returns home.
I just saw yesterday’s paper this morning — your dad and all your family are in my thoughts.
— Laura
I hope he recovers soon! Tom’s and my thoughts go out to all of you. Older people can fight back pretty hard when they’ve been unwell/hurt. Hopefully he gets better soon!
**hugs**
That’s terrible, terrible news. I am thinking of you all, and you have my wishes for your father’s speedy recovery.
I just saw this. What a terrible thing, to attack someone in their home like that!
I wish your father a rapid and full recovery.
May you and your mother have bravery, strength, and hope in this difficult time, and may relief and joy soon follow.
We’re so sorry to hear this, Cat. All our best wishes to you and your family.
From my family to yours, Cat, all sympathy and heartfelt good wishes. We’ll be hoping for the best possible outcome.
Oh Cat. I am so sorry to hear this. Lee and I lead a very sheltered life centred around Foxtel and food. Very rarely do we watch or listen to the news. I’ve only just turned on my Friends page for the first time in days. Please know that I’m thinking of you and hoping for the best.
Love
L
A dreadful thing to happen. My best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Oh, Cat. I read that in the paper, didn’t put two and two together. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Oh Cat, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. Best wishes for his quick recovery.
I’m so sory
Dearest Cat,
I heard about this assault on the news and had no idea that it was your father. I just thought I’d look at your blog and was shocked to read this.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time and I hope that your father has a speedy recovery.
I hope that you are bearing up and okay.
Love to you, Rob and your family,
Angiexxx
Cat,
It’s not just the physical damage your dad is going to be dealing with, but the psychic as well. Be patient, be encouraging, and take time to spend time with him as you re-introduce him to the world.
And spare some thought for the assailant. I have Clinical Depression with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, not an illness one has any real control over without medication. I suspect the perp is a schizophrenic, and the treatment options there are even worse. The hallucinations and delusions suffered by schizophrenics can literally take over, leading to extremely violent acts. He quite literally had no say in the matter, being only a helpless witness to the actions taken by the demons within.
If you need someone to blame, blame a psychiatry that sees the ill as the enemy, and officials who refuse to take responsibility for the consequences of their anti mental health actions.
For your dad. Sir, the family is going to need your support now, what with you being laid up and all. Remember that they’re human too, and will need some time to themselves as you recover. Push yourself to do more than you think you can do, but don’t over do it. Be there for them when they need you, and remember to call upon them to help you; for helping others makes people feel good. And don’t forget the family pets, for they too gain comfort giving comfort to others. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
I am completely stunned. Big hugs to you and Rob, and I’m glad to hear that you have friends and neighbours with you. Wishing your dad a full and speedy recovery. A.
Cat, I’m so sorry to hear this – and hope your father will recover completely and soon.
Natalie
Thanks Natalie
Oh Cat, I’m so sorry. Sending you and your family all the best wishes in the world. xx
Thanks Lisa.
Cat, I was really sorry to hear about what happened and hope all goes well.
Thanks Kathleen. Sorry to have missed seeing you at the Natcon.
I’m so very sorry to hear this. Health to him and love to you.
Thanks hon. Back atcha. XX