Assistance for sister, Krista Markovic
Donation protected
On September 11, my sister Krista lost her husband and soul mate to depression. He took his life in front of her and changed her life forever. To see her grief and realize the overwhelming reality of her situation breaks my heart. There is nothing I can do to help her with her grief, but I can help a little with reality – which is why I am starting this campaign.
Firefighter Captain Eric Boutwell, left behind his wife and two teenage daughters from a previous marriage. He was a husband, father, mentor and role model, a man with a big heart who cared about his friends. He worked with the North Highline Fire Department in Burien, Washington for over 20 years. No one, not even his crew was aware of the darkness he tried to keep at bay. I know he tried to get some help through medication, but sometimes the side effects of those aren’t easy to deal with either. Those familiar with long-term depression know very well how that struggle works and often ends.
Krista had hopes that going away for their 8thwedding anniversary would give him the chance to relax a bit and take his mind off his stressors. But sadly, Eric had come to a point of no return. No one will ever know why he chose to allow the dark thoughts in him to cross that final line.
Eric’s wife, daughters, friends, family, and co-workers, are all in shock. No one expected this of him. Many have said they saw him as the last person who would take the action he did. To know he had such pain inside makes me sad. He hid it so well. Depression is a silent killer. The signs often go undetected, especially for first responders who try to be so strong for everyone.
But now he is gone, and my sister is left carrying a heavy financial burden all alone. To make matters worse, she has a job she cannot go back to. Krista’s family is trying to help as much as possible but our funds are not enough. It seems everything is hitting at once - house payments, bills, tax payments, insurance issues - and just yesterday her brakes started squeaking and a rock hit her car window and cracked it. There's just not much ready cash available.
If you find it in your heart to help, even a little, we would all be so grateful.
Firefighter Captain Eric Boutwell, left behind his wife and two teenage daughters from a previous marriage. He was a husband, father, mentor and role model, a man with a big heart who cared about his friends. He worked with the North Highline Fire Department in Burien, Washington for over 20 years. No one, not even his crew was aware of the darkness he tried to keep at bay. I know he tried to get some help through medication, but sometimes the side effects of those aren’t easy to deal with either. Those familiar with long-term depression know very well how that struggle works and often ends.
Krista had hopes that going away for their 8thwedding anniversary would give him the chance to relax a bit and take his mind off his stressors. But sadly, Eric had come to a point of no return. No one will ever know why he chose to allow the dark thoughts in him to cross that final line.
Eric’s wife, daughters, friends, family, and co-workers, are all in shock. No one expected this of him. Many have said they saw him as the last person who would take the action he did. To know he had such pain inside makes me sad. He hid it so well. Depression is a silent killer. The signs often go undetected, especially for first responders who try to be so strong for everyone.
But now he is gone, and my sister is left carrying a heavy financial burden all alone. To make matters worse, she has a job she cannot go back to. Krista’s family is trying to help as much as possible but our funds are not enough. It seems everything is hitting at once - house payments, bills, tax payments, insurance issues - and just yesterday her brakes started squeaking and a rock hit her car window and cracked it. There's just not much ready cash available.
If you find it in your heart to help, even a little, we would all be so grateful.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kim Markovic Myers Jessen
Organizer
Normal, IL
Krista Markovic
Beneficiary