Who I am.

I write about the landscape of grief, nature, and the wisdom of fools. The author of four books, my essays, poems, and reviews have been published in over 50 journals, including in the Huffington Post and Colorado Review. I’ve won the River Teeth Nonfiction Book Award, the Chautauqua and Literal Latte’s essay prizes, and my work has been nominated for four Pushcart Prizes and named a notable by Best American Essays. My account of hiking in Yosemite to deal with my wife’s death, Mountains of Light, was published by the University of Nebraska Press. http://www.markliebenow.com.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Lost to Suicide

Robin Williams died a year ago today from suicide.

He was dealing with Lewy body dementia that progresses quickly and is marked by depression, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. His death brought light to a difficult subject, and the discussions I heard afterward spoke of the mental illness aspect of suicide, taking the blame off those who died. It also removed the guilt from family and friends who felt there was something they could have done the night before that would have saved them.

* If you would like to read the rest of this post, let me know and I’ll send it to you. *

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One book I read this year is Jill Bialosky’s History of a Suicide. It tells of her struggle to understand her sister’s suicide. It has helped me understand.

3 comments:

  1. "We do not want to let go, no matter how wrenching it is or what it costs us, because being without someone we love is worseWe do not want to let go, no matter how wrenching it is or what it costs us, because being without someone we love is worse."
    This statement is the highest truth that has and will forever resonate within me. Such beautiful words to honor such wonderful people we've lost. Thank you for these words, Mark.

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    Replies
    1. We remember, honor, cherish them, now and for the rest of our days. Their love for us, Amanda, has shaped who we have become.

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  2. Thank you for this reminder. Well done you.

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