My first introduction to Robin Williams, like so many others, was Mork and Mindy.  The air waves filled with laughter and bewilderment as we watched this man, an alien from the planet Ork, get himself into and out of some rather hilarious predicaments.

“Nanu – Nanu!” we would say along with him, and laugh until bellies hurt.  This man, this alien, wearing suspenders and a goofy look on his face… he left an indelible imprint.

And then there was Dead Poets Society, where english teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) taught us the meaning of “Carpe Diem”, latin for seize the day!

And you, after reading from me yesterday morning (before we learned of Robin’s demise) know how important this mantra is to me… a big part of it is due to this movie.  Thank you John Keating.  Thank you Robin Williams.

 

Dear Robin,

Please know that while we don’t know why you took your life we know that you know that you were loved and adored and touched by millions.

But we may never understand the angst you lived with.  We may never understand the pain you awoke to daily.  We may never comprehend your loneliness.

We wish we could have.  We wish we could have made it better for you.

Let your legacy live on in the laughter you left us.  Let your legacy live on in the positive things you offered to humanity.  Let your legacy live on in that sweet, funny, gentle spirit that so many knew of you (behind closed doors).  Let your legacy live on in the challenge for us to BE AVAILABLE to LISTEN to our friends who need a friend and LOVE them more Mork himself.

Let your legacy live on in how we seize the day…

– All of Humanity

 

I’ve compiled some mental health resources here.  But there are so many more out there.

Loving each other in spite of and beyond the stigma is where healing resides.

To my friends looking for support, you can call me.  You can call a local church.  You can be yourself and can talk to someone.  There is no shame in talking about mental health issues.  We are here for you.

To those looking for support as you learn to understand what friends and family might be dealing with… just love them.  Pray for them.  And let them talk to you.

We are here for each other…

 

More info here:  Mental Health Resources