I'm having a hard time processing this. Such a great human. To many tragedies lately....makes me want to go back and just be a kid.
This hit me hard as it made me feel that I'll never overcome my own personal demons. I've gone through addictions a few times and contemplated suicide since I was 8. I do the work now, though. Therapy, meditation, mindfulness, eat right, stay fit, healthy communicative relationship. I still, at times, slip into my silent rages. Still the memory of escapism taunts me. As time goes by I feel stronger. But Bourdains passing does cause some fear. I wonder how much work he did. Sometimes watching the show I would worry about him as he got deeper into the nights drink. Alcohol is THE gateway drug. A drink or two and it is very hard to say no to the addictions and cravings. Tonight, in appreciation of the man, I might have some roasted duck noodles. I wish all of those that have a life of deep pain to find a balance with all the pleasure and glory that awaits us as well.
He treated so many different cultures and peoples with such an authentic and personal level of respect that it was beautiful. He was proof that you don't have to love or even know other cultures to treat them with the utmost respect and that you can always find common ground no matter who you are or where you are. From tiny tribes in the middle of nowhere to countries my own government tries to make me hate to self-proclaimed rednecks and hillbillies in the backwoods of middle America. All humans, all people. No matter what anyone else says.
And left his 11 year old daughter wondering WTF and a lifetime of guilt, confusion and pain. Goes for Spade as well... Let's not forget the "real" victims here
I am not going to speak ill of the dead but I liked the character Bourdain played on tv a lot more than the real guy.
