Tribute to Robin Williams

I've been trying to think of a FB status tribute to Robin Williams ever since I found out about his death last night, but I've been at a total loss for words.  But I have to say something because this man impacted me in too large of a way to say nothing about his passing.  So here is my clumsy attempt at paying tribute to an amazing genius who generously shared his talent to make us laugh with all of us despite his own inner struggles with immense sadness.



As a child he made me laugh hysterically as Mork in Mork and Mindy.  His character was trying to teach me that it is ok to be different from everyone else, but I was too young to get it then.  But I remember loving Mork and I'll never forget him.



In Dead Poets Society he taught me how to think, really think on a higher level.  He justified my love for literature and the art of words.  He inspired all of us to break our molds and to not be afraid to be better.



In Hook he was the perfect Peter Pan and taught me that you are never too old to have an imagination and to believe in a Neverland.



In Mrs. Doubtfire he taught me that laughter and crying are emotions that overlap more often than not.  He taught children everywhere that divorce is not their fault and that it does not change the love their parents have for them.



In Good Will Hunting he taught me the importance of patient persistence when trying to reach out to someone who has been gone so long they forgot how to love and be loved.  He also taught me that sometimes "It's not your fault."



In Aladdin he taught me that making everyone else's wishes come true is only fulfilling if you can make your own wishes come true also.



In the Birdcage he made it ok for me to watch a movie about two gay men with my friends at a time that I was struggling with my own identity and felt that my being gay made me a bad, abnormal person.



In Patch Adams he taught me that very bad things can still happen to very good people, but we waste their accomplishments if we don't let go of the anger that accompanies their loss.



Even through his death Robin Williams is reaching out and teaching us valuable lessons.  Depression does not discriminate.  Depression is a relentless, merciless beast with razor sharps claws and bloodthirsty fangs.  Depression uses weapons of shame, guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness.  It tries to seclude us from our families, from our friends, from our stronger and better selves.  And sometimes it wins.



Rest in peace dear Robin Williams.  Thank you for your legacy of laughter, tears, and every emotion in between.  Thank you for giving of yourself even when you were probably running on empty.  Thank you for touching all of us and leaving a lasting impression.  We will always remember you.  We will always love you.