Death

Today is the 20th anniversary of the death of my coworker / classmate / friend Francine Wriley. Sadly, she committed suicide.

Francine took her own life after leaving SF Dispatch. She moved with a close friend to Austin, but struggled with life in Texas. She was a fellow Alphabet Mafia member and spent most of her life in the Bay area.

We were friends, but not overly close. She had a rough life but had a heart of gold under her rough exterior. We were just starting to get closer when she decided to leave SF. Why will always be a mystery to me. I have my opinions but it’s not really relevant.

She had planned to come back to SF. She could have even come back to work without losing any seniority. However, in a moment of isolation she ended her life. There was nothing I could have done because I didn’t even know at the time she was struggling.

I try to remember her every year. I always wonder what dispatch would be like if she had come back. I wish she had. I miss her.

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Take a moment to check on those you care for from time to time. Life is precious.