I am still thinking about the passing of Robin Williams. Reading about so many wonderful memories of him online, about his work as an actor, a comic, and above all, just an outstanding human being. I remember somehow every time I laughed out loud watching his performances, there’s always a hint of sadness in his eyes. I still don’t know why. But perhaps I could identify with it. And upon hearing my wife telling me the news this morning, I actually said… I felt that’s the way he’d leave.
Somewhere online, I found this piece, and it really takes the words out of my mouth and I have to share it. Unfortunately it’s a secondary share, and I couldn’t find the original writer. But whoever wrote this, thanks.
RIP O Captain my captain, may you find the peace you seek, and I look forward to introducing you to my son. I’m sure you’ll enrich his life as you did mine.
“So many tonight are thinking about the death of a man none of us ever met, and grieving his loss. More so than the others, this one seems to hit home. Why? Why this one?
As one friend said, it feels like we just got punched in the childhood. As another said, it actually feels like he was our friend. We literally spent our lives watching him. Robin as a dad who would wear pantyhose to spend time with his children. Robin as a little boy who grew up too fast, and as a grown Peter Pan discovering his own childhood again, as child trapped in a board game jungle findings his way home. Robin as an inspiring teacher demonstrating to a generation how to Carpe Diem and as a genie in a bottle, bringing magic and friendship with him. Robin grieving loss, Robin finding joy, Robin being the goofiest goofball of them all. Robin was the first comedian many of us heard being shockingly crude, and yet our parents kept the video playing because his comedy was worth it. He used that comedy for good every year for Comedy Relief and a passionate quest to help others. He was good, did good, made us feel good.
Depression is sneaky. Depression lies and cheats and burrows itself deep into places where it’s easy to hide from everyone but yourself. We must do better for our friends, our families, the quiet lonely people in our communities, the outgoing, bigger than life characters with pain behind their smile. Make it ok to reach out for help. Make it easy, and welcome, and free from judgement and stigma. Make it ok to talk about those dark places of our mind where depression lurks. Make it ok to find a lifeline. The world needs more Robins.”
