Robin Williams, R.I.P.
We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Robin Williams. A man who warmed our hearts, inspired us, and put a smile on our face, both on and off-screen.
How painful it is to consider the depth of pain that one must feel to take that step. It is heartbreaking to think of him or anyone in that much existential pain.
Here is a telling and perhaps prescient dialogue From “Mork and Mindy”, when Mork is giving Orson one of his regular reports about us
Orson: The report Mork.
Mork: This week I discovered a terrible disease called loneliness.
Orson: Do many people on Earth suffer from this disease?
Mork: Oh yes sir, and how they suffer. One man I know suffers so much he has to take a medication called bourbon, even that doesn’t help very much because then he can hear paint dry.
Orson: Does bed rest help?
Mork: No because I’ve heard that sleeping alone is part of the problem. You see, Orson, loneliness is a disease of the spirit. People who have it think that no one cares about them.
Orson: Do you have any idea why?
Mork: Yes sir you can count on me. You see, when children are young, they’re told not to talk to strangers. When they go to school, they’re told not to talk to the person next to them. Finally when they’re very old, they’re told not to talk to themselves, who’s left?
We all crave to love, be loved, and to know that we matter. Let someone know that they matter. Do it today.
The Spinning Rabbi - Heart & Soul 
Since I believe my purpose is to be a connector, this touches my heart deeply, especially given the devastating circumstances. To meet him, was on my bucket list…Robin’s ability to make people smile with his ad-lib genius connected us in a way that is very rare. Your postings remind us we are all connected, especially in those “ah-ha” moments.
I just read this. Very good.
You matter.
Thank you
Thank you Fred!
Thanks for sharing !
#loveyourself thanks Fred. I sit in meetings almost everyday where we end holding hands in the Lord’s Prayer . If I can remember that there is love acceptance and hope in both hands no problem is insurmountable . But I have been in that circle feeling completely alone and hopeless. The difference is faith
Steve,
Thank you for sharing your perspective from your personal experience
YOU matter……to me, and John, and so many others. Thank you for the lovely and heartfelt post today. This is why your work is worth doing, even if you wonder sometimes whether anyone is paying attention. They are. Keep doing it. We may never know how and when our words, our gestures, our good thoughts are being helpful to someone else…but the good we do adds up, and creates a better (and less lonely) world for all of us.
Gail
Thank you very much Gail……and John
Well said Fred as always. You have hit the right mark showing the “grand complication” of the genius that was Robin Williams. We will miss seeing him cycling while on our Paradise loop mid week rides. Gone, missed but never forgotten.
Yes we will. Thanks
When one reaches those depths, it affects the body, mind And soul. So hard to crawl out of a hole so deep when it surrounds you. I hope this so very tragic happening can shed light on the dis -ease of the mind that prevails in many of those with depression and addiction. Love truly can change the world, and it does start with each of us. Thank you so very much for this.
Well said. Thank You
Fred,
That is scary prescient. Thanks for circulating.
Michael