Nathan

This is a somber post - whether it's cathartic, I can't say, but I ask the indulgence of those who read "Penigma" to allow me to use this venue to pass along some personal news.

Last Friday night, my 36 year old brother, Nathan, took his life.

He was a phenomenal teacher of Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Forensics at a private high school in Baton Rouge. Over 250 of his students, ex-students, and parents of students (current and former) took the time to attend the funeral and reminisce on a wonderful person, someone whom many said was simply the best teacher they ever knew - funny, tough, a believer in them and their dreams.

But, like many of the funniest among us, he had a very dark side. He drank more than he should have last weekend. That along with the confluence of a number of difficult personal tragedies lead him to unexpectedly end his life here on earth.

I am in part a little angry, a little hurt, but most of all sad at the waste, sad for his sadness. I cannot know his mind, I knew he hurt inside. I did not know how much. I am sad beyond words, beyond my own comprehension.

For my parent's sake, for my sibling's sake, for my sake, but mostly for his, may he find the peace in the next life which personally eluded a brilliant mind in this life.

Rest in Peace, Nathan Lloyd Bryant, brother and friend.