This page is dedicated to the memory of photographer Michael Julian Berz who shot the chess set that adorns the cover image of Book One. Michael ended his life in the Summer of 2015, a few months after his relationship with a woman in Vancouver ended. Though friends tried to support him through his difficult time, in the end, it was not enough. His talented presence and his flair for life will be missed.

Suicide is a big and difficult topic, and there are many ways to discuss it. Here is one helpful account by a California Highway Patrolman, Kevin Briggs, who worked the Golden Gate Bridge for many years. His is an interesting firsthand account during this TED talk.

Another equally compelling TED talk on the same subject is delivered here by John D. Schramm. It’s about 4 minutes in duration.