It was with great sadness that I learned today of the death of Todd Godwin, a friend I knew only via the internet. He’d read my “Your Writing Coach” book and emailed me a couple of years ago for advice regarding the book he wanted to write about his days in the ad business. I thought the timing was great—just in time to benefit from the “Mad Men” madness. He’d been a star in his field (among others, he came up with the “Obey the Thirst” campaign).
Unfortunately he also suffered from terrible chronic pain and was bipolar. This made it difficult for him to focus and finish things, and when he was halfway through the ad memoir he decided to write a memoir about his adventures relating to pain instead.
He was funny, charming, and a little nuts. We emailed and video-Skyped quite a few times and then he stopped answering my emails. I knew he’d recently moved to New York and I was hoping he was busy enjoying starting a new life there.
Today I realized it had been more than six months and I decided to try emailing him again to tell him that probably I am going to be in New York in October and would love to finally meet face to face.
The email bounced back.
With a sense of dread, I Googled his name. I found his obituary. He died “suddenly at home” in January. It didn’t state the cause of death but I know he had a gun collection, a large number of meds, and periods of terrible depression. Not a good combination. I’m pretty sure he took his own life.
From what I’d read of his work, we’ll be missing two unique books. I’ll be missing our friendship. His daughter will be missing her father.
Why am I sharing this on my blog, which usually is just about tips on writing? Two reasons. One is I’d like to in this very small way note his existence and the appreciation of one friend. The other is to urge anybody who is reading this who may be thinking that life holds nothing more for them, to reach out to family and friends. I understand that feeling, I've been there and I'm glad I survived it.
Maybe, given his severe problems, it was time for Todd to check out, or maybe with more support he’d have finished those books and more of his life. If that resonates with you in any way, consider that maybe you have more to give…and that life has more to give you.
