Robin Williams

I usually wouldn’t put something like this on my family blog but it’s weighing heavy on my heart, so here it goes:

As Mike and I discussed the passing of Robin Williams last night we talked about what a big part of our childhood he was. “Mrs Doubtfire” came out at a time when I needed it most. I was a little girl who really didn’t understand what it meant that my parents were separating. Looking back that was one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through but even at 7, this quote said at the very end of “Mrs Doubtfire” helped me to understand better what was going on: “You know, some parents, when they’re angry, they get along much better when they don’t live together. They don’t fight all the time, and they can become better people, and much better mummies and daddies for you. And sometimes they get back together. And sometimes they don’t, dear. And if they don’t, don’t blame yourself. Just because they don’t love each other anymore, doesn’t mean that they don’t love you. There are all sorts of different families, Katie. Some families have one mommy, some families have one daddy, or two families. And some children live with their uncle or aunt. Some live with their grandparents, and some children live with foster parents. And some live in separate homes, in separate neighborhoods, in different areas of the country – and they may not see each other for days, or weeks, months… even years at a time. But if there’s love, dear… those are the ties that bind, and you’ll have a family in your heart, forever. All my love to you, poppet, you’re going to be all right… bye-bye.” Robin Williams was a man who helped so many people. He made us laugh and he made us cry but most importantly, he made us feel alive. It’s a shame he was hurting so deeply. As someone who lost a dear friend to suicide a long time ago I know it’s true, those who laugh the loudest or act the goofiest are sometimes hurting in ways we could never understand. I hope Robin has found peace and knows how much joy he brought to so many people in all parts of the world! Yesterday, we lost one of the greats, and he will be truly missed!