To never see his smirk again… Or be jolted by his laugh. In a cruel twist of irony, the man who made us convulse in fits of hilarity is gone too soon due to profound depression. Perhaps as he lifted us he consumed all he had, leaving nothing for his own nourishment. I don’t know. I don’t pretend to understand depression, other than to know many affected by it.
My boys wonder why I am so saddened by this loss. I didn’t know Robin Williams. I had a album of his stand up routines from back in the day and like all good Mork & Minday fans, I had rainbow suspenders. I can still split my fingers to greet friends with Nanu-Nanu. It’s a litmus test of sorts. If you can’t appreciate that, we’re probably not meant to be. Losing Robin Williams churns up deep sadness for myriad reasons. Another chunk of my childhood is gone. Another genius lost. Another family grieving due to depression.
“Mork calling Orson. Come in, Orson.”
I’m glad my sons are old enough to have enjoyed the delicious flavors of Robin Williams. Mrs. Doubtfire was a recent favorite. Literally yesterday we were talking about when we could watch Dead Poets Society, hands down one of my favorite films. I watched clips of the film tonight. It’s silly to have cried for someone I don’t know. Such is the power of film and television and the characters they bring to life. When a character moves us, he breathes life into us and makes the emotion and the experience palpable. Robin Williams did just that for us in all the mantels he wore.
I had two teachers who would have been John Keating personified if they could have morphed into one individual. I went to boarding school, and one of those teachers was my Latin teacher who helped me revel in poetry and the nuance and magic of words when I felt lost and was awash in solitude. When I saw Dead Poets Society as a college student, a silent sense of understanding seeped into me, and I heard my own voice eeking out, searching for its legacy. It took me over 20 years, but I found my voice and use it to change the world.
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
“Make your lives extraordinary.”
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is
required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty
penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kudos