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I’ve often joked that my timeline feels more like a spider web than a linear path — always moving through life with new bursts of opportunities and connections and experiences.

Some cities remind me of that. Charlotte seems to be one of them.

I was there this past weekend for a charity event supporting widows — around $30,000 was raised all in thanks to my friend Carla’s efforts.

But the real web-spinning was making friends with friends-of-friends, watching my friends meet my other friends, connections forming naturally, everyone just... fitting together.

That's the thing about Charlotte for me. It's never just one thing. It's always layered —work, comedy, good hangs, missions and purpose all tangled up in the best way.

My cup was full when I left. I needed that.

Good thing, because I came home to Wisconsin and immediately needed every bit of that fullness.

I was in the hospital with dad all day yesterday with Jake — played my dad in cards and didn’t let him win despite feeling like I should…

But dad and I always went hard in cards. No mercy. My 7 year old self can confirm.

I’ve had a lot of messages of support as well as questions as to what’s happening. Let me break it down for you all:

In early October my dad caught a bad flu. His recovery was taking a long time — very bad cough, swelling in the legs and stomach, extreme discomfort sleeping and eating.

It got worse through the holidays. Severe bloat despite not being able to eat much of anything. He was losing weight rapidly while his stomach was growing and growing and it didn’t make any sense. The doctors did nothing.

January first dad went in to see a specialist — gastroenterologist. He was diagnosed with severe cirrhosis of the liver.

My dad’s lost an excessive amount of weight over my last few visits home. Last week when I was here it really scared me. He went into the ER the day I left for Charlotte — which comforted me knowing he was in good care while I was away — and he’s still inpatient, likely for awhile.

So what now?

Dad’s kidneys and heart are a big swing factor. All three organs are severely stressed. His heart is functioning at 15% and there may be blockages, but they can’t test that because the kidneys process the dye used, and the kidneys wouldn’t make it through that. The specialists are working day in and day out to stabilize kidney strain while increasing blood pressure and heart function.

If we can stabilize his other main organs, he’ll be moved to UW Hospital and we begin discussions for a liver transplant.

If we cannot stabilize, he won’t make it much longer.

I’m currently living in a twilight with my family — being positive every day for my dad’s sake and then bawling my eyes out when he’s not around — remaining hopeful every day and trusting God while also being pragmatic about what could happen. Being present with him every day and not wasting a second.

I don’t know what’s going to happen. All I know is we need a miracle.

Thankfully I believe in miracles.

The Hustle

My hustle right now? Keep dad here. It’s all I care about. It’s the only thing.

Part of that means staying focused — making sure 2026 is still my best year yet so I can support what my family needs and be a rock for them.

Part of that means cutting anything out of my life that doesn’t move the needle.

I’m thankful to have started the year with fulfilling travel, shows and friend time. I need to fill myself up with joy and adventure to have the energy to give to people — both at shows and in my personal life.

Belize, Alaska, Seattle, Charlotte… they all reminded me why I do all of this in the first place. Not just the hustle. The actual living part.

Watching people connect, raising money for something that matters, laughing until my face hurt, being immersed in new cultures and environments — that's the shit that fills you up. That's what makes the hard stuff bearable.

I'm keeping my foot on the gas. But I'm also making sure the gas tank is full of the things that matter. Not just work, but actual joy. Actual adventure. Actual people.

All the good energy for my pops.

…And if good energy isn't enough, I'm building something big enough to take care of him no matter what happens.

The Chill

There's this thing that happens when someone you love is sick.

Suddenly every conversation feels important. Every laugh matters. Every "I love you" carries more weight.

It makes you realize how much time we waste on autopilot. Half-present. Scrolling while someone's talking. Saying "we should hang out soon" and never actually scheduling it.

Life is fragile. We all know this. But knowing it and living like you know it are two completely different things.

I'm not talking about the YOLO bullshit where you quit your job and buy a yacht in Miami. I'm talking about actually showing up for the people in your life. Being present when you're with them. Saying the things that matter instead of assuming there will be time later.

My spurts of travel lately have been a reminder of that. Connection, low screen times, great conversations with great people.

That's the web worth spinning. Not the networking kind. The human kind. The giving a real shit about people kind.

So here's what I'm taking from this week: don't waste the good days waiting for perfect timing. Call your people. Schedule the trip. Play the card game. Tell them you love them.

Not because life is short — though it is.

Because life is now. And the people who matter deserve the full version of you, not the leftover scraps after you've given everything to your work or mind-numbing meetings.

I’m headed back to the hospital. I’ll be putting lotion on dad’s face, playing cards, and forcing him to drink protein drinks that he hates because he needs them. I’ll be asking him about his first concerts, the army songs he remembers, and stories he maybe never told me from growing up on the farm.

See you next Tuesday. Go be with your people.

Upcoming Shows

I’ve heavily cleared my schedule for the rest of February. I’m working on details for my special taping, writing, and spending all the time with my dad. It was his birthday Sunday, and it’s mine next Weds the 18th. I’m about to turn that hospital into an all-month party.

Love you all and cheers to the hustle + chill. We are believing for a miracle.

xx NPH

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