Richard had suffered with serve depression his entire adult life. He was on numerous medications and was getting professional help. He had a partner who loved him and a ten year old daughter who loved him. But none of these things could pull him out of the dark place he was in.
Richard loved animals. When he and his partner were living in Florida they did rescue and rehabilitation for wild animals. Primarily they dealt with possums and raccoons. Richard had two pet raccoons (not at the same time) that were a result of the rescue program. Both had been abandoned pets and couldn't be released. He loved themed dearly and I know it broke his heart when they passed away. While in Florida they also had a houseful of cats and dogs (all rescues).
Richard was also a very talented costumer. He had worked with some regional theaters in Florida doing costuming. He had just done some sewing for me in May. He made a couple of Victorian inspired skirts for me for the steampunk convention I was going to. It was then when he told me he had tried to kill himself (again) in March. What do you say to someone who tells you that? I told him that I loved him and that I'm glad he didn't succeed.
So, I can't say that his death came as a surprise to me. I'm still stunned, my heart aches for him and those he has left behind. I know that there was nothing I could have said or done to stop him. It still doesn't make his loss any easier.
Anthony, Richard's partner of 26 years, is going to hold a healing circle at their house on Friday for their close friends. Richard's parents are having a memorial service at their church next Monday. I am planning on attending both.
I hope that Richard has found the peace in death that he fought so hard to find in life. I will miss him.
Richard Harland-Bennett
May 15, 1962 - August 9, 2012
I'm so so sorry. It's a terrible loss, one for which there are no words.
ReplyDeleteI've been down the depression path before, for quite a long time, though I guess I was lucky--while I thought about suicide daily, I wouldn't leave my cats.
But I know it's not so much that you want to die, it's that you just don't want to live like this anymore and see no other way out. At least those were my own feelings.
It saddens me deeply that he slipped through the cracks, even with the meds and the therapy.
Often we think we matter so little that no ripples will be felt upon our passing, but that's not true, is it?
Sending universal Light, and purrs from the boys, to all who knew and cared for Richard.
Blessings and Peace.
-Kim
Our sadness when our loved friends pass from us is profound. I hope your cats can help heal you with their love and abundant life. xx
ReplyDeletewe are so sorry..... it is too bad that he couldn't find what he needed here. we hope his partner, daughter and family and friends can eventually find some peace.
ReplyDeleteWe are holding you in our thoughts. Purrs, purrayers and universal light being sent to you and Richard's loved ones. XOXO
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear about Richard. Purrs and hugs to Anthony and you too.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad, not being able to fight any longer. I hope Richard is at peace, and my sympathies to you and Richard's partner. {{hugs}}
ReplyDeleteMalinda I am so very sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathies to you and Anthony and Richard's family!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read this. Words cannot convey the sadness I feel and I never met him.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to say how sorry I am aboutyour friend. I hope all those that knew and loved Richard will find peace and strength to cope with the sudden loss. {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, for your loss and for the loss of someone who sounds like a very talented and nice human. Purrs to you...
ReplyDelete