Last week, LA Times sportswriter Mike Penner died of an apparent suicide. Since I, too, work for a national newspaper, (though as a computer administrator, not as a writer) it occurred to me that some of my coworkers might wonder if the same could happen to me.
“Never say never”, but I don’t think it will happen to me: I am way too happy! For those of us who have struggled with depression all our lives, however, moods can change without much warning. And in the case of suicide, friends, relatives, and coworkers tend to ask themselves, “Was it something I did, or didn’t do, that led him or her to suicide?”
Regardless of what happens in the future, I want all my newspaper colleagues to know: you could not have been more supportive of me in my transition. All down the management chain, everyone has lived up to the highest ideals of diversity and inclusion. A surprising number of coworkers have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. Those of you all over the country who interact with me daily, thank you for your patience — especially with my gravelly voice! I know I must strain your credulity some days, and I appreciate your tolerance and understanding.