***** re KEN SIMM *****

THIS IS ABSOLUTE FACT..

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 21st 2025, 17:31
Subject: Ken. 

Hello Emma,

Thank you for writing to enquire about Ken. I'm his wife. 

Ken collapsed on the 20th December and was found to have a tear in his aorta. He was airlifted to Edinburgh Royal where he underwent 5 hours of emergency surgery. I was told to prepare myself for the worst, but fortunately the surgery was a success. What has hampered his recovery is that he had Influenza and a very serious chest infection. He also suffered a stroke in the operating theatre. He was intubated for 3 weeks, but fortunately has been off mechanical ventilation for the past week now./He is still in ICU, but now in Glasgow which is slightly easier for me to visit (5 hour round trip rather than 7 hours). Whilst I can be totally sure, I'm not seeing too much damage from the stoke. But he is still terribly weak, and having had a tube down his throat for three weeks means his voice is weak and a bit slurred. But he can read, and use his right hand and arm. Unfortunately his left arm and hand are very weak, and he's left-handed so it may be some time before he can paint again. But with determination he'll get there./

I'm hoping that once he is able to swallow safely and eat solid meals, that they will transfer him to a nearer hospital in Oban and then I can visit more frequently./

I'll let him know you have been asking after him. He has his Tablet in hospital with him, and we are setting it up so he can read, as reading is a passion of his. The Tablet also has an attached keyboard, so I'm sure when he is able he will contact you all.

Once again, thank you for enquiring about him. I'll make sure he reads your letter when I next go in to visit him. Kind regards, Helen.

Reviews

[Gee]

That's knocked me sideways. Ken has always dropped in with kind words and encouragement and is greatly admired and respected.
Not being one to offer up prayer I'll keep everything crossed that he makes a full and speedy recovery.
Please pass on my best wishes

[emmajoygreen]

Whatever your prayer it's wrapped in sincerity Gee. Ken will know that in due course, promise. Please see some of my responses above to confirm more. Hope your day goes safely.

[Chris Shaw]

Really sad to hear this news about Ken. I send my very best wishes to him for a speedy recovery. That’s quite an ordeal he is going through, poor man.

Chris

[emmajoygreen]

Yes, it is. He was my friend and mentor from the time I joined WC.. he is not only a fine artist and writer but a true gentleman with the sense of the ridiculous! Can assure you, Chris, everything will somehow be passed to Helen or remain in my safe keeping for a while. Can promise all his friends that.. and more.

[emmajoygreen]

Hoping all long-time members do the same, Chris.

[Vol]

Oh, my goodness. Well now we know what happened to our great and wise friend on here. Most everyone has been here longer than I have, but he was one of the very first to welcome me and we always traded excellent reviews.
KEN, if you see this, I'm rooting for you (I hope that means the same thing in Scotland as it does in (America) You, sir are a Scot, and brilliant, and I have no doubt we'll be sharing comments again. Get well, soon, we need you.
I'm praying.
Thank you, Emma, for posting this and bringing us up to speed... Stuff like this is why we all love you and this place.
Vol

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks, Vol, your name will be passed to Ken, via Helen.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Thank you so much dearest Emma for letting us know this news about our Ken. You are a beautiful heart. Bad things happen to good people sometimes, that are just beyond our comprehension or understanding. Had an idea something was amiss when he didn’t answer my Hapoy Birthday message in December, but never thought this. Am overjoyed that he is recovering well and getting such quality care. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to Ken, and his wife and family. Ken is a true, shining light in this world and he blesses it with his art. Please stay strong and fighting my friend, like a true Scot!. We are all thankful for you and stand behind you. You will overcome this and thrive and paint and write again my mentor friend.. Praying to God to always help you and hold you in His hands, and bring you back to the best of health. Much love, Annette🙏

[emmajoygreen]

Many thank yous, dear adopted mom.. your name will be passed on to Ken via Helen. Hopefully it won't be long before Ken will be able to read the marvellous messages for himself :)

[Lorry]

Wishing him a speedy recovery.
But remember Em, they make 'em tough up here.
Think I'll go review one of his older pieces so he has something to tut and shake his head at when he feels up to it!

[emmajoygreen]

What a kind thought, to review one of his older pieces.. and Ken tut... nevah! Your name will be passed to Ken, via Helen. :)

[Relic]

Thanks for sharing this Emma. Kenn is a very talented writer and a big part of WC. I wish him a fast recovery.

[emmajoygreen]

What you mention is oh so right, Relic. Your name with be passed on to Ken, via Helen

[Relic]

Thank you.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Em.. your letter of Friendship is amazing. The Medical doctors are saving talented people by using their expertise to heal and save our ability to put People together again. Prayers ascending for Our Friend and his family. softly, Pat

[emmajoygreen]

Dear Patricia, many thanks for forwarding such kind and true words, dear lady. Your name will be passed on to Ken, via his wife Helen. :)

[Samuel Dickens]

This isn't the best news, but certainly isn't the worst. Thank God for modern medicine! I hope and pray that his road back to normalcy will be a smooth one. And thank you, dear Emma, for the role you have played in this.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks, Samuel, for your kind thoughts and more. Your name will be passed on to Ken, via, Helen, his wife. :)

[Kim S.]

I'm not sure who he is, but I will be praying for both of them.
It's sad to hear that happening.

[emmajoygreen]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Prayers are ever generous. Your name will be passed to Ken, via his wife, Helen.... :)