Kappa Delta - Florida State University

2 O U R TAY L O R S T O RY o o o o By Beth Mar tin Langford '78 and Jenn Gilber t McManus '11 Beth Martin Langford Ours are two different but equally beautiful stories of Taylor Long Fishel that became one shared tragic story. Suffering from the darkest depths of postpartum depression, Taylor took her life on December 23. She was a good wife and mama, but PPD would not allow her to see that and left her with only hopelessness. I draw great comfort knowing her many angels - grandparents, aunts and uncles, and dear Kappa Deltas - now embrace her with love. My Taylor story begins the day she was born and being her Aunt Bethie. That story begins with my 45+ year friendship with Taylor's mom, Marie. We met in college - she was a DG, I was KD - and bonded over our public relations and communications classes at FSU and FAMU. We both married Tallahassee boys - Lawton Langford and Allen Long - and were in each other's weddings. The Langfords and Longs share a strong four-generation bond of love and friendship. Our children are the 3rd generation (Giles and Callie Corbin Langford and Owen and Taylor Long), and our 6 grandchildren make up the fourth. We lovingly call ourselves the 'Longfords'. Though she was the baby in the family, Taylor was the boss. It could be said that she was bossy, but Taylor would suggest she simply took the initiative! She grew into the fun, funny, beautiful, and independent (bossy?) young woman who fills our memories. Taylor was popular - loved and respected by her friends. She was an athlete - a tennis player like Owen and Allen. Taylor cared deeply for others; her friends, community and those less fortunate. She and Marie joined Lawton, me, Callie Corbin and half the UGA soccer team on a mission trip to Guatemala. To serve the poorest yet most joyful indigenous people - changed our hearts. Taylor's compassion and humility was a light for the givers and receivers. When Taylor graduated from high school in 2011, with plans to go to FSU, I may or may not have given her a dozen white roses! She was that potential new member who every sorority wanted. When she pledged KD - collegians and alumnae were ecstatic! Taylor attended Kappa Delta's national convention in 2013 while I was National President. That is one of my sweetest KD memories. In 2018 the 'Longfords' celebrated Taylor's engagement to Howell Fishel, followed by their beautiful wedding and 'wet and wild' reception! I was so proud of how Taylor handled the weather - torrential rain! - during their indoor/outdoor reception. She was joyful and beautiful. Unlike most of us who's hair, makeup and dresses wilted! The sunshine was witnessing how Taylor and Howell loved each other so much and so well. They were ready to start their life and their family in Jackson, MS. With birth there is celebration with family and friends. Post partum depression develops in isolation in many cases, regardless of how much family and friends loved Taylor and tried to help. Taylor battled PPD twice; with Lewis in March of 2022, then James in October of 2024. To be fully known and fully loved is a gift. Taylor was fully loved but PPD kept her from being fully known by those who love her completely; still and always.

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