My sister lost her long battle against addiction and depression yesterday. The death toll from this epidemic will not officially count people like her, for whom it was yet another hurdle to overcome in a life filled with far too many hurdles already. But they are victims too. 1/?

Beth was a lovely and loving person despite her demons. She was deeply in love with her husband, her dogs, and her flowers. She was 3-1 as a semi-pro MMA fighter, even though she didn't start fighting until her late 30s. She won every battle until the last one. 2/?

In her memory, please tell someone you love that you love them, pet a puppy, or take some time to really appreciate a flower. 3/?

If you need help, please know that it's there for you. The National Suicide Prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255. Also know that if you're struggling, you're not alone and you might need more support than usual. So don't be afraid to ask for it. 4/?

Keep working your steps, talk to you sponsor, win another day. You are worth it. You are loved.

I love you Beth. Say hi to Mom.

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. 5/5

For me, writing #Elementary was in part a mythologization of recovery. I wanted for Beth what we wrote for Sherlock, who embraced his life, despite his worst instincts. If you've gotten some inspiration or solace from the show, that was, in a way, Beth's gift to you. 6/5

Beka on #Andromeda was Beth too. And Garak on #DS9. And Harry Dresden trying not to use black magic.

Be well everyone. Stay safe. We'll all get through this together. 7/5