Monday

 Monday’s events required Tony to function as artist, carer, and gallery owner. Yvonne is bouncing back from her recent chemotherapy treatments, which took their toll on her. Her appetite, absent during the long process, has returned, and she is smiling once more.

 Tuesday

 Tuesday was, as usual, a day spent outwith the Gallery. Tony and Yvonne headed for Edinburgh with tickets for the new Star Trek film. Showing critical skills worthy of their own column in The Guardian, Tony noticed that the starship depicted in the film is a microcosm of Earth itself: a collection of diverse individuals crammed into a rather small space. Much like the inhabitants of Earth, everyone seems to get along just fine–with a few arguments and disagreements.

Wednesday

Wednesday was a great morning largely spent in meetings concerning the Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, a summer calendar, and even the Christmas schedule. (Yes, Christmas.) The day was going well until Tony heard about the vicious murder of soldier Lee Rigby. This put Tony into a philosophical bent. Tony’s position is not particularly complex: essentially, people should not kill each other. Regardless of our ethical positions, we should all be able to thrash out any disagreement peacefully, preferably over a steaming mug of tea.

Thursday

In the hospital, unfortunately, for the whole morning. An essential task in this long battle with cancer. Back in the Gallery, however, Tony’s fortunes changed as he found himself able to secure some time for painting. In the process, Tony began reminiscing about his time in the Army. He remembers that while there was danger around every corner, the chances of being viciously attacked on home turf (i.e. the United Kingdom) were very slim. The Lee Rigby case is a landmark. Tony thinks–and hopes–that Lee Rigby will be remembered in the same way that Stephen Lawrence has been.

Friday

Friday: in the gallery once more. Some studio time early in the day, followed by catching up with clients about commissions, then yet another visit to the hospital for Yvonne. After determing the next course of action with the dedicated and very professional medical staff, off for a decent lunch. Yvonne improved this week and is definitely up for the next phase of this fight. She is an inspiration. Tony says she is his wonder woman and rock, his constant companion who will walk the walk on her journey through life.

Saturday

Saturday is Tony’s favourite day. It is by far the most social of the days that the Gallery is open. Both friends and new faces are in abundance. It’s always uplifting, says Tony, to have people milling around in the Gallery. Tony is especially fond of family visits; particularly when children who may have been dragged around the town before setting foot in the gallery. Even a brief interaction with Tony can cheer up a stormy-faced child, making them feel special. Tony’s gallery is not a serious, stiff-lipped place, but a joyous, fun place where children can interact and in some cases create their own artwork. This has at times led to a profound effect on their life. Many children in our busy world are at times sidelined and lonely. Many adults have a nasty habit of treating children like imbeciles. Tony is committed to interacting with every child that visits the gallery either personally or through the gallery team. If Tony and the team can help to influence some of the next generation of artists or family visitors to be kind and compassionate to their next generations and each other, then all his work will have been worth the effort.