Robin Williams has passed away...

[FLchick415]

The statement wasn't political at all, though. It was a very kind statement about a beloved person and actor that just HAPPENED to be from a political figure.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've really loved a lot of his work - but honestly, if his death was a suicide, it does make me lose some of that respect for him. He was in such a position to do good in the world, that to throw that away seems unimaginable.

Some of my first thoughts were for the children he has worked with - in Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, and other films. Even though they're older now, they will be shaken so deeply by this. About a year ago, a teacher at my son's karate school committed suicide. This was a person who spent his life telling children not to give up...just giving up. They felt lied to, betrayed, incapable of understanding. While I still feel awful for people with depression, it really heightened the selfish part of suicide for me to see how many other people were hurt.

I wish we could get the message out to anyone considering suicide that help is available, and there is always another choice.

I have family members that deal with huge depression issues, every day. They know help is available...but sometimes it's hard, almost impossible, for them to get that help. It's a disease, for crying out loud. It isn't a case of 'Oh, I'm feeling depressed today, better call someone'. When you're in the midst of this kind of depression/mental issue, you are no longer capable of making good choices. And because so many people don't realize how awful it is, those suffering tend to keep it to themselves, rather than bring it out into the daylight.
Sad to say that our most gifted artists seem to be tortured souls, dealing with some form of mental illness. It seems to go hand in hand. For whatever reason, they sometimes feel they can 'handle' the bad in order to get the results of the good. And they sometimes lose their grip.

 

[declansdad]

A very strong, but incorrect statement. I do not hate anyone. I have very dear friends from all walks of life.

There are some, who will stoop at nothing to interject politics, even if, the references are thinly veiled. It's inappropriate and boorish behavior (both sides). IMO

Yours is the only post that interjected politics in to a thread celebrating a great comedian and actor.

 

[RadioNate]

The statement wasn't political at all, though. It was a very kind statement about a beloved person and actor that just HAPPENED to be from a political figure.

No joke, there us only one person on this thread who is stooping at nothing to interject politics into this thread.

I lost a good friend to suicide not too long ago. I miss her but that doesn't compare to the pain she must have been feeling. I hope he has found peace.

 

[FLchick415]

No joke, there us only one person on this thread who is stooping at nothing to interject politics into this thread.

I lost a good friend to suicide not too long ago. I miss her but that doesn't compare to the pain she must have been feeling. I hope he has found peace.

I feel so sorry for anyone that has lost someone to suicide. I can't even imagine what that must be like. Once upon a time I used to think suicide was selfish, but that was before I REALLY understood that these people must honestly feel like there is literally no other way out.

It makes me sad that a man who spent his lifetime giving happiness to the world, couldn't find it for himself.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Many amazing things have been said by many people but I actually think this sums things up perfectly....

"President Barack Obama on Robin Williams: "He was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien — but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit."

(not meant to be political whatsoever, just so happens the POTUS is the one who said it)

Some nice thoughts there. Here is his complete statement....

“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit,” Obama said in a statement, referring to Williams’ role in “Mork & Mindy.”

“He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most — from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin's family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.”

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I really wish the back and forth over the politics could stop. THAT (all of it) is taking away from this post.

As for suicide - the depression isn't just something somebody can get over. And just because they're famous doesn't make them any more capable or any more responsible to do good in this world. Having "it all" doesn't make people immune from this disease. From an outsider's view, yes it appears selfish. But for the person, it seems like the only way. My heart breaks for anybody who so far down in that dark spot, that this is the only answer for them.

In any case, I read this last night and it was powerful, so I thought I'd share
http://www.blogher.com/what-suicide-isn-t-rip-robin-williams?page=0,0

 

[Mellabella]

R.I.P. Robin Williams... another great talent gone too soon

 

[kwelch10377]

Some nice thoughts there. Here is his complete statement....

Thanks for posting the complete statement, I only saw the one part of it last nice on Facebook.

 

[LBIJim]

A very strong, but incorrect statement. I do not hate anyone. I have very dear friends from all walks of life.

There are some, who will stoop at nothing to interject politics, even if, the references are thinly veiled. It's inappropriate and boorish behavior (both sides). IMO

True, and you're the only poster who interjected politics into this thread.

 

[bethy]

I am so saddened by this loss but am trying to honor this wonderful man's memory by cherishing all that he did to better the world while he was with us.

My family has been touched by mental illness multiple times. One thing I have learned is that sometimes all the "help" in the world can't cure some mental illnesses or even have a profound enough impact on them.

Every article I've ever read about mental illness always ends with "if none of this works then please get help." As if that will solve everything. Not true.

It's worth a try but what is really humbling is getting treatment in various forms and seeing that even that sometimes still not enough.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

A very strong, but incorrect statement. I do not hate anyone. I have very dear friends from all walks of life.

There are some, who will stoop at nothing to interject politics, even if, the references are thinly veiled. It's inappropriate and boorish behavior (both sides). IMO

You were the one who politicized it.

I thought the quote was appropriate.

 

[cabanafrau]

Ugh, I just heard a comment on the radio that Robin's previous wives, the mothers of his children, are both deceased as well. If true that means his kids are now orphans. I hope they have extra strong extended families and a good network of friends and loved ones. They must feel like the floor has fallen out beneath them.

 

[ICF]

True, and you're the only poster who interjected politics into this thread.

 

[crispychicky]

Ugh, I just heard a comment on the radio that Robin's previous wives, the mothers of his children, are both deceased as well. If true that means his kids are now orphans. I hope they have extra strong extended families and a good network of friends and loved ones. They must feel like the floor has fallen out beneath them.

Thankfully, whoever made that comment on the radio was wrong. All 3 of his current/former wives Susan Schneider, Marsha Garces, and Valerie Velardi are alive.

 

[DawnM]

Oh good. I thought I had just seen that they were living and thought WHAT? When did that happen?

Glad it didn't happen!

Thankfully, whoever made that comment on the radio was wrong. All 3 of his current/former wives Susan Schneider, Marsha Garces, and Valerie Velardi are alive.

 

[DawnM]

I am sorry you lost your father in this way.

Just so sad about this. From the first Nano Nano, to Genie, then to seeing him live, he brought nothing but joy.

I lost my father to suicide just four months ago. While my head understands the struggles and pain, my heart can't yet fully grasp the "why".

Love to Robin, and especially to his kids -- I know at least some of what they are going through. So sad.

 

[cabanafrau]

Thankfully, whoever made that comment on the radio was wrong. All 3 of his current/former wives Susan Schneider, Marsha Garces, and Valerie Velardi are alive.

I am very glad to hear that. I did think it was strange that both would be deceased, one possibly, but both seemed unusual.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

I have loved him since watching him as a kid on Mork and Mindy. My cousin even had the Mork suspenders which I envied. I don't think there was a movie of his I didn't love. Genie is one of my top favorites. My dh and I love to quote it he is so funny. I remember watching him on Oprah once and he was just so funny I could not stop laughing. RIP Robin Williams.

 

[snapppyd]

I don't see how you can call someone who is that depressed selfish and expect them to know they need help. I think some people self medicate (drugs, alcohol, etc) because they think they can "fix" their problems.

Also, the prescription drugs, while helping to keep them from the brink of a bottomless pit also stifle the manic high that is their creative genius.

Since no one can come back from suicide to describe what they were feeling in the final moments of their life none of us can judge them. I just pray for his family, friends and for his soul. I hope he has finally found peace.