(This is a repost, by request and with permission, of an essay by Maryscott O'Connor from MyLeftWing.
Also known as BeagleandTabby
Maryscott O'Connor wrote:
The father of our one-time friend and blogging colleague, Donovan Barks, informed me last night that his son jumped to his death from the Golden Gate Bridge yesterday at approximately 3pm yesterday:
I'm sorry to tell you that Donovan is no longer with us. He jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge at 3pm today. He is at peace. For that I am thankful.
Donovan suffered from a crippling mental illness for most of his life; despite his struggles, he was known to many -- including me -- as a good friend and comrade-in-arms.
Despite the many efforts made by his family and friends to help him, Donovan attempted suicide at least three times last year alone; including one effort preceded by his posting on MLW's Front Page a premature note informing us of it, which led to my subsequent actions (criticised by many elsewhere but thankfully supported here at MLW) leading to his hospitalisation. Unfortunately, the standard of care in this country for the mentally ill provides very little in the way of saving those who, like Donovan, are functional enough to refuse care but not enough to live happily without it.
I mention that last part only because the entire ordeal was well-chronicled on this and other blogs. I have no wish to relive the details, nor to debate the whys and wherefores of my friend's pain and his ultimate act.
I can only send my thoughts and best wishes to his father and mother in this awful, unimaginably painful time, and hope with all my might that wherever Donovan is now, he is happy and at peace.
I didn't know Beagleandtabby, but from what I understand, he was well liked here, and my heart goes out to his family.