Caleb and MS

Spiny Tim is a haunting journal of a local artist’s battle with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

“It is difficult for me to write about my condition, because to commit to paper, so to speak, is to make it real. And even now, I am loath to make it real.

“Every morning I wake diminished, and I think to myself: if I don’t get any worse than this, then I will be able to go on. I will be able to relieve myself, put some food in my stomach, take care of the dog and the cat, and go be productive for someone. Every morning I wake to find that my hands are more useless, curled, and insensate, add that my legs are more distant meat objects, useful as stilts, perhaps, but not much else.

“And every morning I wake with fewer words.”

Spiny Tim once kept a blog titled Calebism, where he posted occasional images of his art.

The above image came from a post about a 2008 show at Interior Motives Gallery. Below is Caleb in 2008, just before the PPMS symptoms started.

I don’t think there’s any positive spin or silver lining to this. The worst of the human condition is sometimes almost too much to bear. I want to thank Caleb for his courage in keeping this journal. Wishes for improved health, or a reprieve from the pain seem shallow and thoughtless. Nonetheless, in whatever way the “best” might be construed, I sincerely wish the best for Caleb.

As an artist Caleb’s health care resources are limited. You can help by purchasing some of his art from Interior Motives Gallery.

You can see much more of his art in this Flickr set.