Remembering Robin and Chris
Like everyone else I was shocked to hear the news of Robin Williams’ death. How horrible and tragic it is. Most of what I hear on Facebook and the news feeds is one of shock and sorrow, and a few words of anger thrown in too, from people mad that he didn’t fight his way through his depression, and apparently took his own life.
This brings back to my memory my own experience with suicide. When I was in high school a classmate and friend, a couple of years ahead of me, hung himself. I had many questions about that as I knew that Chris was a Christian and I couldn’t reconcile that he would take his own life. I spent some time in denial thinking that it had been foul play and someone had killed him. Eventually I came to understand that he was battling depression and for whatever reason, took fatal action. My father (a minister) gave me some wise counsel as I struggled with the reality of suicide. He told me it wasn’t up to me to decide if Chris made it to heaven or not, all I had to do was remember his life, what I knew of him, and leave the rest up to God. From that point on I could rest easy. It was (and is) my place to remember his gentle ways, his loving nature,and his caring heart.
Robin, I don’t know the demons you battled, or what your core beliefs were. But it is my place to remember the laughter you brought me, the tears that moved me, and the smiles that cheered me. Thank you.
Sheila, that's beautiful. That's a great way to remember someone's life. Because beyond that, it is up to God.
I can't imagine killing myself. I am just so damn stubborn; I just have to see how things turn out. I guess I'm just like that…I never leave the theater before the credits are finished and I never leave a ballgame until the third out of the last inning. BUT, I would NEVER presume to judge. You're right. None of us know the demons he was battling. RIP, Robin, you made me laugh.
That is a beautiful response. Depression is a terrible disease. I have a few close relatives who have had to fight the fight. I think being an actor is a difficult thing mentally. They get awards for pretending to be someone else. It must take a lot of strength to remember who they really are. Robin was such an amazing guy. I loved Patch Adams, Good Morning Vietnam, Mork and Mindy. Yet I could sense his deep feelings and thoughtfulness. God is love and has compassion for the weak.
Yes, this is so beautiful and true. It's not fair to judge how he left this world. Such a terrible loss.
I prefer to believe that those who commit suicide still go to heaven. Depression is such a destructive disease…it's a physiological condition that impacts someone's entire emotional outlook. I believe in a God who would realize that and see that the person was battling some major demons. But your father gave some very wise advice. That's something that's between the person and God. All we can do is pray for that person and his loved ones.
Good Morning, Vietnam. My all-time favorite Robin Williams movie.