Robin Williams

I've always been a fond believer in the power of words, particularly the power of positive or jovial words. In fact, one of my favorite quotes, and quite frankly, the quote that sums it all up is this quote from comedian and world class gent, Craig Ferguson:

Laughter has always been a great way to help people get through rough times, whether it's grief, stress, or depression, I've found that laughter truly is one of the strongest medicines. I know that because laughter has helped me get through those very things in my life. It is for that reason that I am truly grief stricken at the passing of Mr. Robin Williams. Flashback to a few years ago. My parents were separating and, if you have been, or you know someone who has been through that situation, you know that it isn't easy on anyone, especially the kids. It was one of those periods of time where I put on a smile in front of everybody else but was always sulking whenever I was alone. The only thing that got me through that period of time was, you guessed it, laughter. And there were three people that I always turned to the most to brighten my day:

1. Craig Ferguson

2. Monty Python

3. Robin Williams

Robin Williams was one of those people, from his jokes, to his movements, to the way he spoke, to his facial expressions, there was always something that could make people laugh. Whenever I think about Robin Williams, the first thing that comes to mind is the picture at the top, the one with the outrageous smile that was probably emitting ludicrous laughter. He just had this power to make you smile no matter what was going on that day. We all remember as kids when we laughed ourselves silly listening to him voice the genie in Aladdin, and as adults we laugh ourselves silly at his stand up routine.

And it is for that reason that I find it all the more tragic that his death was a suicide. I'm seriously hoping that it turns out to be something else because I am rattling my brain trying to get my head around the fact that such a hilarious man, who had such a talent for helping people not only find enjoyment in their lives, but find it at times where it seemed impossible, was having just as hard of a time finding enjoyment in his own life. I almost wish I could have told him how his stand up brightened my day and brightened the day of so many other people. He gave the gift of laughter to so many people, and in the end, it turned out he hardly ever received that gift himself.

Rest in Peace, Robin Williams. May the gift of laughter that you gave to so many of us continue to be given to so many more.