02/04/2024
Shortly after Zac’s return home from the hospital, we were called by a friend asking if Zac and I would speak to our experience with an author who was writing a book on depression and su***de. We said, “Yes”.
A slender, middle-aged man who looked like he lived in a New York loft apartment showed up at our door. I had no idea who he was or his background. Several meetings later, and hours of discussion both with me and with Zac, have cemented a friendship with this dear man who we have come to care so deeply about.
Turns out, he was no ordinary author. This was Andrew Solomon, Pulitzer Prize nominated author and National Book Critics Award winner for his writing regarding depression.
Yesterday, he let us know he will be speaking at a joint event for the World Health Organization, the U.N. and UNICEF on Wednesday. His topic will be about mental health for young people, and he will be quoting Zac in his speech. We will get to listen to this from our home as world leaders, doctors and others gather to talk about this critical issue .
His newest book is in manuscript form and we cannot wait for it to be published.
On a separate note, Zac has agreed to be the guest on a local podcast in 2 weeks, where he will share his story in hopes of helping others who struggle with depression.
Good things can come from hard, awful things. His message of why life is worth living is powerful to not only those struggling with depression, but for those who are struggling in any way.
He said the other day that he feels compelled to live as much for himself, as for the dozens of friends who have ended or lost their lives. Even though he can’t remember what almost dying felt like, he is convinced the friends that went before him, pushed him out of the afterlife, back home to earth to stop more needless death and suffering.
Although every day isn’t perfect or anything close, I never want to lose sight of how beautiful life can be, messy and all.
