Chris Hannon's memory has been a blessing for a year -- and yet...

Today is the first yahrtzeit of Chris Hannon, one of the very best friends and family members I’ve ever had, and ever will have – a year ago tonight, at the age of 37, he took his own life.

May his memory be a blessing (as we say in Judaism) -- his Earthly life continuing would be oh so much more of a blessing, but I believe that he lives on in many senses, and I know that his memory can continue to change and save lives. Both due to and despite his depression and other challenges, he lived an inspired and inspiring life -- and although he has left us too soon, he can help us prevent others from leaving before their time. (I am especially mindful of this as a member of the trans community, where the suicide attempt rate is over 40%.)

He has been in my thoughts and elsewhere every day, and in my dreams many nights. (Am I the only person who, during a dream about a dead loved one, realizes that they’re dead but not that I’m dreaming, and isn’t sure what I should do?)

These are the condolence cards I made for his mother and fiancé. And this is the blog post I wrote a year ago.