Marjane Satrapi

 

As a nonbeliever in a higher spirit, I'm usually rational about the death of a friend, relative or someone who has made an impact on me. But, times like these I'd like to shake my fist and scream into the ether, "Why do you have to be such a bastard?" 

I've just learned Marjane Satrapi has died today. Her family says she died from a broken heart after the death of her husband. Satrapi was born in Iran, an although she had more privileges than her fellow citizens, life was a bitch, because it's Iran. She eventually left and wrote about her life. Satrapi wrote and illustrated the graphic novel, 'Persepolis,' about a young girl (herself) and life in Iran. Naturally, the bluenoses have fought to ban this book. This book stayed with me for a very long time. I will never understand why anyone would try to silence what she and others in Iran go through every day. 

She deserved to live a good and long life. It breaks me when I'm faced with the reality that there are no special favors for people who have gone through a horrific childhood and managed to escape and not ever give up.

Satrapi's death reminded me of another woman who died too young. She too wrote about her horrific childhood growing up dirt poor with an abusive and alcoholic father. Barbara Robinette Moss wrote about her life in the book, 'Change Me into Zeus's daughter.' From the first line in the book I was pulled into her life. It absolutely broke me when I had heard she died in 2009 from cancer. Again, "What the fuck, dude?" 

The reality is there is no rhyme or reason to our existence. We embrace what we have and like these two women, change the course of an ugly beginning. 

I ask that you at least read, 'Persepolis.' It will give you insight to the Iranian regime, something that is so very current in our lives. My only solace is that these two remarkable women no longer suffer. They deserved so much more. Keep their story alive. That's the least we can do.