Hiya – Jon has posted a comment asking for specifics about Chris’ condition. It’s great that people care so much about Chris and, having been his friend for several years, I’m well aware of the impact he’s often had on those he’s met & played music with, but I still hope that everyone appreciates the family’s request for privacy at this time. We’re also still not entirely clear where we are with Chris’ recovery – and doctor’s don’t like to make prognoses for people who have had strokes. For myself, I accept him as he is now with hopes, but no expectations, of change – that way every improvement he does make is welcomed & things that do not improve so rapidly are not so upsetting.
Chris is walking – he can manage about 500 meters at the moment but he is making improvements all the time. We’re doing all that we can to assist Chris’ recovery & to make him secure & comfortable in the future.
To me the really important thing right now is Chris’ quality of life & I’m pleased to say that, even though he tires easily, he is loving many aspects of his current lot. Music is still a huge joy for him – being in studios, hanging out & singing with muso mates, listening to Stroke (& making many good suggestions for it too!), and recording for The Nothing & Tall Dwarfs projects. He’s enjoying the odd beer, chocolate icecream, panak panners, & other totally normal stuff. He’s also surrounded by people that love him & have his best interests at heart.
Roy
PS Hi Juanita. How is winter coming on in the little pear?
Nice comments, thanks. I just popped in to see how he was getting on, having just heard one of his songs (it’s la-la-la-la-la-love). I imagine that loads of people are wishing him a speedy recovery but agree that it’s better that he enjoys what he does have, the moment he’s in, and I expect he’s well placed to do that, with all the friends and family supporting him and his wonderful attitude to life. I know from having a husband with MS that people can be quite afraid of sickness and see it as all bad, they prefer to focus on the miracle recovery. Being unwell is certainly not ideal but it’s not the end of the world either, it’s part of life too. People like Chris with a strong sense of curiosity and humour, particularly of the absurd kind, and with big open hearts can make the most of any situation. Arohanui to Chris and his family.
You could end the entire blog with that entry because it was so perfect.
Roy – you are a wonderful friend for Chris to have! so caring… award yourself “The Best Friend In the World Award”. (Save the earth – it is the only planet with chocolate)-Joy
Wow! Rachel’s comment here is pretty “right on”. Nice one there!
Thanks again for sharing info about Chris and his recovery. Strokes take time to recover from,…and ,yes, quality of life is what you shoot for. But as Rachel says ,I too believe that Chris is a good example of a person with the right attitude(as he’s always shown through all of his works)towards overcoming any life obstacle. So we all need to be the “extended” family support for him through his time of trials here.
We all need to send our blessings to Chris and his family.
Thanks Roy. Positive thoughts in your favorite colors…
Thanks for the update. I came here tonight because of the big Samoan benefit thing in Auckland tonight, and of the star-studded lineup it seemed to me that our beloved Chris was the only NZ entertainer missing. And I know he would have been overjoyed to have taken part were it not for his current circumstances.
Thank you for all you do. It’s great to know that Chris has people like you around him.
Thanks again for all the updates… Though I know Mr. Knox only slightly through some prolonged correspondences over a decade here in the States (and one concert in Chapel Hill 4 years ago…), it’s great to have any information whatsoever… Personally I went through some poor health over a good span of time, and Chris was always very supportive and friendly in reaching out… I especially appreciated the update about the Frankenstein movie as a few years ago in hopes to procure a copy of the first Nothing record w/out having to pay import prices, Chris graciously offered a trade for some DVD’s he had his eye on… I was glad to accept that proposition and had Amazon mail him the set of DVD’s the movie came from, as part of the exchange… Seeing he’s still enjoying that transaction brought a smile to my face, as I know I still enjoy that CD a great deal… May things continue to get brighter as time goes by…
Kris.
Hey Chris! It all sounds good to me mate – really, I just wanted to check in as it’s been a while since I have. I do read this blog (and all that sails within Her) each and every day however, and have to say – yet again – that, with all the Care and Support so obvious here, you’re doin’ better than I am – so, “I’ll race you around the block… on the weekend”.
Good to hear Chris is still well supported. Have gone back to some of his old Beat tracks of late which are a little more meaningful these days. Still thinking the good thoughts for you Chris.
Kia kaha Chris and family – you are a fantastic guy and having your music and insane comic strips is really like having you in the room. Take each day as it comes – sending loving vibes and big love to you also Roy – fantastic he’s got you and obviously he real special to you too.
Hey Chris, often think about how you’re going–it was great to be at the Kings Arms and see you performing…sounded just like the old days–with punk couldn’t ever hear the words so sounded just like the original to me.
I’m thinking that once you start jandalling around Ponsonby again you’ll need a few staging posts for a while–places to take a breather. Count my place in, in Norfolk Street. When you’re ready.
Hope there’s another concert some time..that was a fantastic music night.
Raewyn