Brandi Hawbaker

Don't miss one article! Subscribe to the Full Feed RSS or get NPA in your inbox.

I’ve felt a few different emotions since hearing yesterday of Brandi Hawbaker’s suicide. I’ve felt some anger and disgust. But primarily I’m sad.

I believe strongly in the power and value of community. Humans are social creatures and each of us depends on a network of relationships to help us through every day. We all have ups and downs, and I think we should contribute to our communities during our high times and receive help from our communities when we’re struggling.

I’m sad for the way Brandi and our poker community interacted. Our community didn’t function the way I think communities should, and one of its members has now prematurely died.

I’m disappointed with myself for failing to speak up about it even once while she was alive.

I know our community can work well because I’ve seen it work so many times before. I’m grateful for all the support I have and all the friends I’ve made in poker. I think we can and will do better in the future.

Today I made a contribution to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. I hope the money will help someone else out there to make it through.

 Print :: Trackback :: Respond ::