The more I hear about Robin Williams, the more saddened I am by his passing. Robin Williams was an actor I "grew up" with, watching films like Jumanji, Hook, Dead Poets Society, Patch Adams, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Good Will Hunting, great films that became larger than life to me because they shaped my worldview in some ways. Often, when a celebrity passes on, we start to hear more stories about that person, and with Robin, we hear only stories about what a kind, generous person he was: cheering up the sick, paying for peoples' education, and other types of philanthropy. So to have an image of a lonely 63 yr-old man hanging himself in his apartment, brings tears to my eyes.
No one should have to die like that. I wish this had been a story of intervention, where Robin's kindness and generosity had been repaid and someone called him to cheer him up. But that didn't happen. Robin Williams suffered from depression and years of substance abuse. Who knows what one phone call or visit from a friend might have done? I'm going to try to make more of an effort to be a friend to those who need one. Not just by being nice to them, but going out of my way to know they're loved and needed. I hope Robin Williams' death won't be in vain. Even funny people need a friend to tell them "I love you" or "Thanks for being in my life" sometimes.
No one should have to die like that. I wish this had been a story of intervention, where Robin's kindness and generosity had been repaid and someone called him to cheer him up. But that didn't happen. Robin Williams suffered from depression and years of substance abuse. Who knows what one phone call or visit from a friend might have done? I'm going to try to make more of an effort to be a friend to those who need one. Not just by being nice to them, but going out of my way to know they're loved and needed. I hope Robin Williams' death won't be in vain. Even funny people need a friend to tell them "I love you" or "Thanks for being in my life" sometimes.