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Bengi B. Melton, MD
I met Eric at a conference, I believe it was an annual American Association of Suicidology conference. I approached him after his presentation and we talked a long time as if we already knew each other. We had a follow phone call for an hour after returning home. He had an incredible vision and endless source of hope/healing energy. In a classical sense, he was a consumer and advocate and I was a burned out provider. He understood me and I felt genuinely supported by him although we just met. Last year in September during Psych Congress in NOLA, I went up to him again and we reconnected as if those years have never passed. He had the same enormous sense of hope and warmth. He looked tired but undefeated and more resilient than ever. Despite very little time spent together he was one of the very few people I felt truly connected with. As long as I live, I salute and honor you and your legacy my friend.
