Good Morning Vietnam

When I was younger, one of my favorite movies was Good Morning Vietnam.  The character of the eccentric DJ during the war really intrigued me.  The actor did such an amazing job in that role and I will always remember it.

We were watching television last night and Jodi happened to be checking her Facebook.  She looked over towards me and informed me that Robin Williams had taken his life.  I asked if she was sure and she said yes.  I was shocked.  He has always been one of my favorite comedians and actors.  He has made me smile on numerous occasions even when I did not feel like smiling.  He has made me laugh when I did not feel like laughing.  And he has brought tears to my eyes in his dramatic roles, especially in Patch Adams.

It really hit me today at work.  I was deeply saddened.  Mental illness does not discriminate against anyone.   It affects the rich and the poor.  It affects people of every race.  It affects men and women.  I have been where he was before he chose to take his own life.  I can relate to the pain and inner turmoil he must have been going through before those final moments.  It is a dark place to be and I wish somehow, some light could have shone through, even just a little.

He brought so much joy to others in his life and he will continue to do so with his body of work remaining for us to remember him.  His life was not wasted.  He impacted others in a profound way and that I am thankful for.  I did not know him personally but, think he would have been a great person to have a chat over a coffee.  I will miss him and take solace knowing his pain is gone.

“Did you really want to die?"
"No one commits suicide because they want to die."
"Then why do they do it?"
"Because they want to stop the pain.”
― Tiffanie DeBartolo, How to Kill a Rock Star