Anthony Bourdain 1956 - 2018

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Anthony Bourdain died today.   Apparently, he committed suicide.

Normally celebrity deaths don't particularly affect me.  But I'll be damned if this one doesn't hurt terribly.   I greatly admired his books and then his show, first on the Travel Channel, and then on CNN.  He was always someone who went to a place and LIVED it, and brought that information back to us. People who may never step foot into those far reaches.

Through culture and food, he explored what it means to be human.   And despite our differences, he managed to show that we humans are a lot alike.   We all love, we all eat,  we all share in our successes and failures with our families and our communities. 

Pain like this can touch anyone, in any situation.   If you need help,  please get it.  You don't need to be alone.  

As for Anthony Bourdain, I will never forget him.

Onnalee Flood - 1951-2016

As some of you may be aware; my mother Onnalee Flood left us unexpectedly this afternoon after a short illness brought on by complications from a routine surgery. To say that I’m heartbroken doesn’t even begin to get close.

She left us far too soon. Especially since I know how much she was looking forward to meeting our son in just a short few weeks.

I found this poem that seemed fitting.

For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.

For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a Special Love
That will deepen every year.

Thank You Mom, for everything. I’ll miss you terribly. I'll never forget what you've taught me.

I love you.