The world lost an incredible talent, a humanitarian, and a friend
Robin Williams landed on our univeres and in our hearts as Mork from Ork in 1974. The rest is history. This is not a biograpy, I am no expert. I can't even say that I am a hardcore devoted fan. I just always loved Roin, in the way one might love a family member or friend who's been a constant in their life; someone that might even be taken for granted. I somehow just assumed Robin would always be there, moving us to tears in one way or another. When he returned to TV I felt like an old friend had come home. Perhaps of his gentle manner and kind spirit, he seamlessly worked his way into our hearts without us even knowing it. But it goes beyond that. I have thouhgt a lot about this man I've never met in the past few days. I have never felt this way upon the passing of a star, so why do I have a dull ache like I lost someone who mattered to me personally? Because he did, and I am clearly not alone.
As a survivor of a family suicide, I suppose it is relevant how he left this earth, only for the purpose of promoting suicide awareness. It doesn't matter how funny, or rich, or generous, or loved, or wonderful you are - depression is a killer.
I ache to think of how much pain he was in. And that's that. No further discussion. Those who want to debate that or pass judgement don't belong here.
I have seen children grieve after a parents suicide. It is heartbreaking. I feel so terrible for his"kids", because not only do they have to deal with the indescribable pain of losing someone in that manner, they have to face being under a microscope, unable to grieve in peace. My heart is with them, and I pray for them to find comfort in their memories and their fathers obvious love for them.
So, how do we, the ordinary people who were so greatly touched by the Amazing Robin Williams find comfort, while supporting his family? It's very simple. Send a message of hope by donating to a charity that was so important to Robin. I am going to focus on St Jude's Chidlren's Hospital, but he was also an incredible friend to our troops, so feel free to pick! Donate whatever you can...even if it's a dollar. It will be our collective sympathy card to his family. Do it in his memory. Do it every year. For all the nay sayers and cowards who use the internet to spread hate...let them hear the words "20 Million Dollars has been raised in Robin Williams Honor" Help children battling cancer! It's a win win for everyone, and you don't even have to dump an ice bucket on your head. I wish you peace Mr. Williams. Thanks for the laughs that will live on forever and for proving to the world that one person can make a gigantic difference.
