I declare bankruptcy

Oscar: Hey. I just wanted you to know that you can't just say the word "bankruptcy" and expect anything to happen.

Michael Scott: I didn't say it. I declared it.

Hello to you all, my most favourite people. You've granted me many freedoms with Braytech and enabled me to devote approximately half of my waking hours to it and I thank you. The skills I've attained and experiences I've had, both through its development and your patronage are amazing.

I have a story to share with you this afternoon. It's definitely a bit of a weird post and I feel it's odd to be so open and forward about this, but I believe there's few things in life worth feeling stigmatised or prideful about.

I'm an only child to two wonderful parents. My parents primary source of income is my father's small business - he's a traditionally-trained sign writer - and they've run into more trouble than usual. Money has always been a challenge in my family, and I've often wondered if I had had siblings, would my experience of the difficulty be any different, less so perhaps. I've always been very aware of the challenges my parents have faced, trying to keep us afloat week to week. Growing up like this might be difficult but I've never known anything else so I can't say for sure. Needless to say, I never had a Gameboy!

Through the power of Patreon, you've collectively allowed me to enjoy the experience of "savings" for the first time in my life this year. I've spent the past few days mulling over whether or not it would be best for me to use those savings to help prevent my parents from their second bankruptcy. I've asked friends and family, and my parents have spoken to financial counsel. No one could tell me verbatim if it's the best option, but as I love them and as they've always provided for me, it's now my turn, even if it does reduce me back to 0.

Thank you for your patronage. It literally changes lives.