This past week, two people known to many the world over, took their own lives.
Though not previously the owner of anything made by Kate Spade, I was compelled to find something embossed with her name, spotting and ordering a small floral pencil case (the artist in me) as sort of a tribute the day after the news of her death was announced.
I followed, loved Anthony Bourdain. Like so many others, I felt as if I had lost someone I knew though we’d never personally met. Like countless people around the globe, a real sadness consumed me as I processed the news, tweeted my thoughts on the feed, couldn’t believe a guy like him, the man with a sexy swagger that made me go along wherever he wanted to take me would take his own life, was gone. I will miss traveling to parts unknown with him on trips that enlightened, united, entertained, made me wonder about wander. I will miss his commentary, his voice, his contributions to a world that benefitted from his being here. That said, I do remember sensing something in his eyes, something distant and longing, more than once as the camera captured his face in a close up. I recall an episode where he sat at a table in a quiet courtyard somewhere basking in the bright light of morning, barefoot, his trademark jeans and button down shirt glowing; his voice over shared that he felt lonely as the episode faded to black.
We can’t be so preoccupied with ourselves that we don’t see and hear what those close to us may not be able to articulate. I’ve said many times and try hard to practice the following -- when a friend or family member calls, make sure that all is well before you rush them off the phone, it only takes three seconds to ask, is everything okay. When the people we know tell us they’re having a bad day, try to make it better for them in some way. When they tell us they feel alone are having a hard time finding their way, take action to help change that. Sometimes, people are just moving through a passing melancholy…but what if they’re not.
Stop, listen and…
keep your peepers open!®
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. International suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.com.
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