English language arts 20 (2012). Toews' father, Mel, takes his own life in 1998. In an effort to understand and accept his decision, she writes his memoir. Mel is a respected teacher, a loving father and husband, and a respected member of the Mennonite community. He suffers with bi-polar depression, and is able to hide his mental illness from the community; however his family experiences his struggle. After Mel retires from teaching, he slips deeper into silence and despair, and ultimately takes his own life.