Today. I woke to the sad news of Anthony Bourdain's death. While I didn't know him personally, I am devasted and I know I'm not the only one whose body hurts with sadness. I cannot imagine how the friends and family who loved him are feeling now and my thoughts are with all of them.

Anthony used his intellect and the position he earned to show us all how big this world is. He also showed us how small our world is and how connected we all are as people. He took us to places most of us will never get to. He showed us that sitting down for a meal, no matter where you are, is a chance to learn and a chance to share. He showed us that every single person’s voice at that meal mattered. The famous chef, the immigrant cook, the family matriarch, the grandparents who passed down their grandparents recipe...every person counted and deserved to be heard.

Keith Kreeger Studios lives in two worlds where mental health problems are prevalent and often hidden. The world of hospitably and the arts are both full of people struggling with their own burdens. 

Today is a brutal reminder to be good to everyone you come across. Reach out if you need help, but more importantly reach out to your friends if you think they need help. If you’ve ever been down in the trenches of depression you know how hard it is to let people in. Ask your friends what you can do to help...often.

If you are battling depression, please know that you are not alone and that this world fucking needs you here.

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Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
For confidential support in the United States, call 1-800-273-8255.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Chefs With Issues