Robin Williams, the performer, had touched millions of lives. Based on the outpouring of affection, I wasn’t alone. The loss of Robin Williams felt deflating. I am saddened by the loss of a favorite entertainer, certainly, but can’t say I’m often shaken. I’m not one that generally considers celebrity deaths cause for mourning. Here was a celebrity-and not even one I’d had the pleasure of interviewing during my time spent writing for entertainment outlets-whose death had affected me as if we’d shared a true personal connection. I slid (perhaps slumped would be more appropriate) onto the floor in a seated position beneath the glass coffee table and attempted to assemble my emotions, or at least process them in a way that made sense. The subsequent autopsy found that he had actually suffered from Lewy body dementia, an aggressive and incurable brain disorder. Details hadn’t yet been released, so we didn’t know about his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. It should come as no surprise that those who give the most of themselves are often the most troubled. Suicide-an incomprehensible finality, I thought, for an entertainer who brought us all so much joy. I’d avoided the news until late afternoon… when it came through as a pushed notification on my iPad. Thank you.I learned about Williams’ death during my family’s annual summer beach vacation. It’s easy to do: just click HERE and then click “Donate Now” in the upper right-hand corner. It’s the best way to honor the memory of this unforgettable man. And if you’re able, I hope you’ll donate to St. We’re talking out loud about depression, mental health and suicide, and people are seeking help today who might not have otherwise. His life meant something to millions of us, and his sad departure from us has too. Jude in memory of this man who made me laugh so much, and who made me cry more than I’d like to admit. I’m about to make a small donation to St. Got 30 more seconds? Here’s one from November of last year: How much did Robin love those kids who undergo treatment at St. My employer, WRCB, and my radio friends at US-101 have also adopted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. I always prefer to honor someone by making a donation to a program that can help the living.Īs you may remember, Robin was a great supporter of St. With apologies to my florist friends, I’ve never been a “send flowers” person. Robin’s family has graciously requested that fans send donations to some of his favorite causes in lieu of flowers. Thankfully, I found something to refocus my grief in the right direction. I’ll never be able to meet him, to interview him, and tell him how much joy he has brought to me.” Me, me, me. “I won’t be able to see him do his stand-up act, which I’ve always wanted to do. Selfishly, my immediate reaction to the news of his death, was all about me. I’m glad they’re still with us, but I’m sad he won’t be making any more memories for us. Seeing, and replaying some of his best TV and movie clips has been both enjoyable and heartbreaking. Certainly, we never thought he would take his own life, which compounds our sorrow. Despite what was going on inside him, he sure seemed to project a lot of life on the outside, and I thought he’d be around for a long time. As I wrote Monday night, I wasn’t finished with Robin. I’ve survived many of my favorite celebrities, and even written about a few of them after they died. Anyone who knows me (and some who don’t) may have noticed by now that I haven’t handled Robin Williams’ death too well.
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