Now with some time to let it settle, I wanted to share what Robin Williams has meant to me. From my earliest memorable childhood, he was Popeye. He went on to entertain me and make me realize the immense power of laughter from then until he left us today. He inspired me to make others laugh and use comedy as a defense, an offense and to improve the lives of others. Back before Jim Carrey had taken on serious roles, Id shun comparisons to him, citing that hes a personality where Robin was an actor and Id rather emulate that. He provided me with countless laughs and good times with his stand-up, his appearances and his films. Tonight a friend and I were thinking of films for a Robin-fest, but in every category there were too many for a mere weekend of Williams. That says something. Too often we see with the likes of Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Heath Ledger that often the greatest and most intense talents are deeply troubled and though they focus that on their art, they are often unable to deal with their demons directly. Perhaps its cruel that his pain continued so long all while he provided us so much cheer, but the fact that hes left us far too soon remains. He has a great closing monologue from a special which, for some reason, I cannot find online. It was about all of us being flowers and he said itd been a pleasure pollinating in our garden and I quoted that line in a letter to him in the late 90s which he was kind enough to send an autograph for. My heart hurts so much tonight at this immeasurable loss and while we all are saddened, I cannot fathom his familys pain. That said, for this to have happened, I also cannot fathom his own pain. Depression is a serious and real condition and there is help. Substance abuse often is a self-medication for those who dont otherwise know how to deal with it and thus, we need to realize and judge less harshly those who obviously just need help. That said, if you know someone grappling with depression, reach out. If you are, reach out. Though tonight we are overcome with shock and grief at this, depression can too be overcome. Oh Captain, my Captain, Thank you Robin for a lifetime of your gift and your generosity in opening those personal wounds in laughter or sorrow for our benefit. It shant be taken for granted.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:48:23 +0000
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