Robin Williams

Death frightens me. It's a pretty safe bet that it frightens a lot of you, too. No matter what we believe, scientifically or religiously, we have no first-hand experience and no eyewitness accounts of exactly what happens after death. Anything we believe about what happens to us after this life is based on faith and hope. 

Now I have my set of beliefs, and you have yours, and it is not my place to tell what you should believe, or vice versa. But I will tell you some of what I believe, and you can take it or leave it as you choose. I believe that death is not, cannot be the end of our consciousness. We exist here in this life as men and women in a variety of states, always shifting and changing as we live our lives. At times life is great, and at times it is terrible. And we each have our struggles and hardships amid our triumphs and blessings. Sometimes we cannot be harmed by anything in our path, and other times we cannot accomplish even the simplest tasks.  But this life is singular, and we only get one.

In the film Dead Poet's Society, there is a speech by John Keating about living an extraordinary life. Carpe Diem, or Seize the Day. This role was brilliantly played by Robin Williams, who passed away yesterday by apparent suicide. It's haunting to be able to still see this speech and film even though he is gone, especially with the message it brings. I've included the link below if you want to see for yourself. 

Robin Williams is one of a few actors who was difficult for me to not watch. His manic persona while being comedic and the depth of emotion he could display dramatically were both so unique that his performances were always captivating. I've never met, spoken with, or interacted in any with him except as a viewer of his craft on a screen, and yet I feel as though I'm now missing something. I have access to see anything he has ever created as his death doesn't destroy his art, but knowing he is gone affects me more than I thought it would. All death is tragic, but we share a unique relationship with actors. Robin Willams has caused me to feel emotions through his craft: joy and sadness, anger, jealousy, laughter and triumph, and pain and hope. He has touched my life without ever meeting me. And now there is a void where he used to be.

I hope his family and those close to him, whether personally or through his craft, will be comforted in their grief. The difficulties and sadness of his life here are now passed, but so are the joys and happiness. Eventually the joyful memories will outweigh the sadness, and I do believe he made a difference. Let us all live extraordinary lives that touch those around us as well.

http://youtu.be/veYR3ZC9wMQ