Remembering Rika

[imomus]

Two years ago today, Rika Hirata, my best friend when I lived in New York, committed suicide.



I don't really want to talk in detail about the circumstances of Rika's death here. I'll just say that it happened because she had a severe bipolar condition, and went through a series of misfortunes, and wasn't supported as she should have been by the people around her. Rika should still be here, and for me she is still here. Shortly before she died she told me 'I will always be with you'. She was right. But that doesn't stop me missing her.

The photo shows Rika eating dumplings with me at our favourite cafe, the Dumpling Inn on Eldridge Street, New York, February 3rd, 2001.

Comments

[biseinen.livejournal.com]

I remember feeling so sad as I read of her death and your sorrow, and I, wondering just how devastating that would've been for you. Tragically enough, just a month later, I found Richard, my lover, (whom I had briefly introduced you to at your Brooklyn's "Warsaw" gig) dead to heart failure. The first time I ever dealed with death at such personal level. Also, my sister suffers from bipolar desorder so I couldn't possibly empathize more. Extrange how I never met Rika but can't help linking both events, thus I'm convinced her memory is indelible in me too.
You have my sympathy Nick.