LOVE          LETTERS   To those loved and lost to suicide Temple  Offerings BURNING MAN 2007

"Live and Burn" was one of Kerry's mottos.  Attending a festival called Burning Man was one of his desires.  In a desperate attempt to feel linked to my son, I made a conscious decision to journey over 2,700 miles to a sterile wasteland deep in the Black Rock desert of Nevada; home to an annual free spirited event known as Burning Man.

Each year over 35,000 people travel from all over the world to establish a temporary city that exists for one week.  The city is based ont he  principles of radical self reliance, self expression and civic responsibility.  Among a vast array of interactive art installations, a Temple is constructed to honor those who have passed on.  The center alter is reserved for suicide victims.       What I found here changed my life forever.  There amongst the burden of a bleak, barren desert, I discoverd a lightness laced in grace and ease.  This was the beginning of my healing.       As time passed, I felt my pain shift and I began to focus outside myself.  I compiled a book of letters, stories and photos that were given to me by people that had also lost someone they loved to suicide.  I called this book LOVE LETTERS.  Each day I sat in the shade of the Temple and watched those who stopped to read the book.  As the pages turned I saw their hearts and minds open.       For me, it's important that people understand the daily struggle and intense pain these kind, sensitive, loving spirits endured.  My hope is that their stories will plant seeds of compassion, forgiveness and understanding.       I will be returning to Burning Man again this year with another book of LOVE LETTERS.  If you would like to contribute a letter, story, or photo(s) please contact me at: GREENMONKEYONTHEPLAYA@MSN.COM Shannon Kennedy 58 East Elm Street Greenwich, CT   06830

PHOTO'S FROM LOVE LETTERS AT THE TEMPLE - BURNING MAN 2006

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