Slipped Away: A memoir about a gentle soul who gave so much love and joy to others in spite of his own depression. - Softcover

Jean Mellano retired in 2010 from a 37-year career in the Information Technology industry. After so many years in the computer industry using the analytical side of her brain, she decided the time was right to exercise the more visual and perceptual side of her brain. Graphic design was a natural next step. Jean began to do the creative work for the event business of her 33+ year soul mate, Steve Tarpinian, designing event logos and promotional print work. Graphic design seemed to make sense, but she never envisioned herself as a creative writer. Her primary writing experience was related to creating computer-related documentation and developing contractual statements of work related to network and phone-system deployments. When Steve took his own life on March 15, 2015, her world changed dramatically and her life was turned upside down. Jean began to take solace in writing about Steve and found purpose in trying to bring more awareness to mental health by telling Steve's story. In addition to her goals of keeping Steve's legacy alive and inspiring conversation about mental illness and suicide, she is donating the majority of the profits from Slipped Away to a non- profit organization that is focused on supporting veterans suffering from PTSD and depression.

"When I read, I like the story to pull me in; almost as an observer in the story. In a way I knew this book would be hard to read. Mental illness is so devastating to both those who suffer with it and those who love that person. Not only did you write what he dealt with but with what it did to you and everyone he touched. As an outsider you drew me in to his pain and struggle and the efforts to save this beautiful, giving soul. Your love for him, for each other, is on every page. Thank you for sharing this with me. It taught me that it is not only about the person who suffers... but also the ones who need to become their caretaker. I loved every page, every word. I pray you find comfort in the love you shared."   -- Juanita Clegg Raia  January, 2018

Slipped Away write-up,  by Allison Gilbert, Author, Speaker and Journalist, August, 2017 : 

allisongilbert.com/2017/08/how-tapping-into-creativity-boosts-happiness/#more-2394

"It is very powerful and such a great testimony and legacy. Beautifully written, the authenticity is compelling as are the multiple voices (featuring a chorus of folks that Steve continues to touch) amid highlighting an array of amazing talents (really enjoyed A Mouse in the House :)) and adventures. Thanks for having the courage and strength to write this. It did draw some tears for me - but that is what great life stories do."  - Dr. John Oliffe, April, 2017;  Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia, founder and lead investigator of UBC's Men's Health Research program,  Dr. Oliffe's research provides key insights to guide clinicians and researchers advance men's health promotion practices.  He is the nominated Principle Investigator for the Men's Depression and Suicide Network and the P.I. for Project Five: Man-Up Against Suicide.