The Day the Laughter Died

            Last night the world was reeling from the news of Robin Williams passing.  Today, the world continues to mourn a comic genius, a bright star and an amazing actor who wasn’t afraid to expose his emotions (or body) for a good story.

            I never had the privilege to meet the man, but was deeply shocked to learn of his suicide.  As an entertainer he touched me with his fearlessness, his never-ending energy and the joy that he brought to people near and far.  Here was a man who appeared to have it all.  Outwardly we only saw his success, embraced the laughter he made well out of us and we even envied his life.  So many of us were only able to look at him from the outside and we only saw what he wanted us to see. 

            If anything positive can come from Robin Williams’ suicide it would be an open, frank conversation about mental health and depression in this country.  The stigma of any mental disease has caused many people to deny their existence, to insist that things are normal when clearly they are not.  Quality treatment for depression as well as other forms of mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder should become more accepted.

            My thoughts are with his family today.  I’m sure they were exposed to the demons that plagued Robin Williams.  They knew so much more than anyone from the outside. They knew how incredible highs can be followed by incredible lows.  As one of his admirers, I can only wish them peace and do my small part to grant it to them. 

            I’m sure that Robin Williams is no longer suffering, but I am also sure that those he loved dearly have only begun to explore that pain for themselves.  My sincere condolences to them all.

            May he rest in peace.