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Usually on Fridays everyone is upbeat and looking forward to the weekend, however today there is a very different feeling in the air. It could be the very dreary weather outside. It could also be the feeling of sadness because like many others I woke up this morning to the news that chef, author and TV host Anthony Bourdain had committed suicide at the age of 61. On Tuesday well known designer and fashion icon Kate Spade committed suicide as well, she was 55 years old.

Two celebrity deaths in one week, two people who seemed to have it all. Kate Spade built an empire with her handbags and accessories and at the time of her death her fortune was worth $150 billion dollars. Anthony Bourdain also had a sizable bank account but this goes to prove that money really can’t buy happiness. Both Kate and Anthony appeared to be dealing with their own type of demons, Anthony with his past addiction to drugs and Kate Spade according to her husband Andy Spade says she suffered from anxiety and depression for years. Although we don’t know the exact medical diagnosis of Kate’s mental illness it has not been revealed, but Anthony has always been open with his past addictions.

My heart breaks for how lonely they must have felt to think there was no other choice but to take their lives, but my heart also aches for the children they both left behind. Kate has a 13 year old daughter and Anthony a 10 year old daughter, both who will be going through excruciating pain in the days, months and years to come. Suicide can be very hard on family and friends because you always question what could I have done?

I know because I had a family friend that I grew up with take his own life as well and I still think of him and wonder why he felt there was no other choice. It leaves a lasting mark. My condolences and prayers go out to both Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain’s family and friends. We need to connect more as humans, we are all so wrapped up in our own lives because life is so busy now a days. We need to put the phones, the tablets and the video games down and actually talk to one another.

~Leah

@Leah_Holiove