Surviving Suicide

Join Tim Ray and Shannon McVey as they interview Renowned Art Dealer/ Acclaimed Author, Carl David. Also on the show will be Intuitive Clarity Coach Kim Worrell Sumlin.
Carl David
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a third descendant of a 4th generation art dealer family, Carl David is a firm believer in ‘paying it forward.’ He has overcome a great life struggle, and though it was painful, he has learned to turn the negative into something positive.
When David was only sixteen, his brother Bruce decided to take his own life. Bruce David was only twenty-two years old at the time of his suicide. Bruce’s death tore the David family apart; so many questions unanswered, too much hurt to endure. The family had begun to realize that even though Bruce’s battle was over, theirs had just begun.
Together, Carl David and his family had to learn to fight and keep strong no matter how challenging the circumstances. Just eight years later, David’s father, a legendary art dealer, died suddenly and unexpectedly on a buying trip in England.
He was only fifty-eight years old.
David was devastated by his brother and father’s deaths. In response to his grief, David decided to write a book. Initially, the book titled, Bader Field, was written so that David’s children (not yet born) would one day be able to know the greatness of their grandfather. Over time, however, the book’s true context came forth.
Bader Field is a survivor’s story and talks about how death, specifically a suicide, can wreak havoc on loved ones left behind. The book reveals the story of how a family endured struggle and torment after suicide, and their fight to survive. David uses the book as an outlet to ‘pay it forward’ and help others cope with depression and suicidal tendencies. The author wants those who are suffering to know that though they may feel lonely, they are not alone. “Those who so desperately need to know that they don’t just destroy themselves, but everyone around them as well; their family, friends, and acquaintances. I pray that my perilous journey through those darkest days will bring light and hope to anyone on that final path, and draw them back,” states David.
David’s concept of ‘paying it forward’ is an important one. He began to realize his purpose in life and wants others to recognize theirs. David knows that karmic debts must be paid and that keeping a clear conscience is key in leading a healthy and happy life. “I want to reach out to those in despair,” explains David. By exposing the pain he went through with his brother’s suicide, David may be able to help others who are personally contemplating taking their own lives, or know of someone who is.
David’s book also talks about the world of art, which his family knows well. His family’s art gallery, David David Gallery, dates back to 1910 and is located in the historic Rittenhouse Square District of Philadelphia. The gallery specializes in American and European paintings, watercolors, drawings, and sculptures from the 17th-21st centuries.
In addition, Bader Field is about airplanes. Bader Field was one of America’s oldest airfields; it closed in 2006. It was there that Samuel David flew his Aztec, a twin-engined light aircraft, for many years.
David is also the author of the book, Collecting and Care of Fine Art (1981 Crown NY & Skyhorse Publishing NY 2016 ) "Waking Dreams; The Subtle Reality" (Motivational Press, 2015) & wrote the article, “Martha Walter,” which appeared in the May 1978 issue of American Art Review. He taught “Collecting Fine Art” at Main Line School Night and has been a guest lecturer. David is a philanthropist, and has organized and produced fundraising exhibitions for the Washington, D.C. branch of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Delaware Valley Burn Foundation, The American Red Cross, and the Make a Wish Foundation. David gives appraisals and consultations for many museums, universities, the FBI, the State of New York, the White House, the Office of the Attorney General, the DuPont family, and many others. David was a charter member of Sothebys.com (N.Y.) and a member of the Art and Antique Dealers League, as well as the La Confederation Internationale De Negotiants En Oeuvres D’Art. He served as a judge for The Manayunk Art Show, co-chairman of the gallery committee and is a member of Rittenhouse Row. He has been a guest auctioneer for WHYY, and a panel member for The Art News World Art Market (N.Y.). David’s credentials are numerous, with far too many more to list here.
He is an avid supporter of Law Enforcement and the Military and graduated from the FBI Citizens Academy. Memberships include The Union League of Philadelphia, The Armed Services Council of the Union League, The Benjamin Franklin American Legion Post #405, and The Veterans Club Table at the Union League. He is also a 3rd Degree Master Mason.
Many art journals and financial magazines have called upon David for his angle on the state of the art markets since he has been greatly involved in his family’s gallery for decades. He’s a contributing journalist for http://groundreport.com
He also loves photography and music; he learned piano at a young age and was self-taught on the guitar, years later was in two Rock groups playing keyboards, guitar, and vocals. In addition, David has written & recorded several ballads. He is a true artist, passionate from deep within his soul.
David has a tremendous amount of care for others. So much so, he considers himself a healer. David does energy work and hands-on healing. He also believes strongly in animal “therapy.” His love for those around him is profound. “Life is a gift,” states David. “Every day you have another chance, another opportunity to make a difference.”
Kim Worrell Sumlin
Kim Sumlin is an intuitive clarity coach (life coach and Reiki Master) with a focus on personal development by spiritual practice. As a former educator with more than 20 years of experience working with students and their families, she understood that ‘whole child’ education was imperative. People are multi-faceted and it is when all parts ~ mind, body & soul ~ are in alignment that they are able to thrive. She has extended this philosophy in her coaching practice to create Knowledge is Magic. 'You don't know what you don't know and change is difficult if not impossible without new information. Kim helps people acquire spiritual, developmental, and scientific information that they can integrate into their daily lives to create a life they love.