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That warmth extends beyond the sunlight — into the classrooms and through the hallways — where encouragement is bountiful and lessons about mental health are a priority.In 1993, Bauer’s uncle, poet Glenn Parker, an anthropology student at the University of Utah, died by suicide. In the three decades since, the poet’s family has continued to grapple with his loss, which has had ripple effects — both positive and negative.
Bauer and his mother can both pinpoint the exact series of moments that led her to turn to alcohol — starting with Glenn Parker’s death.“He had severe OCD , which limited him in things, because it kind of consumed him,” she said. “He was kind of a cosmic person, really special. He just had a different way of looking at life.” A Tribute to Glenn Parker hangs on the wall at the Glenn Parker Skate Park in Provo, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.
“It got so bad,” she said, “I was on the street because nobody — my kids my mom didn’t want to be around me.” In his youth, Bauer dealt with anxiety around his mother’s addiction by hitting the skate park. Growing up, he also joined a few organized sports, like soccer. “A lot of these kids turn to skateboarding because they don’t have a safe home maybe they’re faced with their own trials and traumas at home,” Bauer said, “and they’re just trying to escape to the skate park.”