The inevitable tragedy

Dear reader, It has been too long since I have written. And indeed, I have no idea if anyone actually reads my blog. No matter. Today's post is dedicated to Robin Williams. An actor I have admired since 1989 when I convinced my parents to give me a ride to town to watch Dead Poets Society in the movie theater in Williams Lake. For years, I wanted a tattoo that said Carpe Diem! And that in itself is significant. How does one profess to a philosophy of Carpe Diem, then pine away, wishing for the courage to tattoo Carpe Diem on your arm? That dichotomy will be another post, someday. I was affected deeply by Robin Williams passing. I haven't told anyone this, but I felt deep sadness when I read he died, as though a friend had passed away. I could relate to Robin Williams; he was an approachable human being. He struggled mightily in this world. He was gifted. He was talented. And most importantly, he was humble. I believe that the world has lost a great human being. The world today is hard. Polarization of opinions lead people to loudly proclaim, I am right, and if you do not agree, you must be an idiot! It saddens me to read of Gene Simmons comments to go ahead and jump, if you are struggling with depression. Yes, he tried to retract and clarify them, after it embarrassed him, but Jesus man! Don't you have a filter that stops you from saying that? Study the Tao - I recommend it for anyone. Study it, and you will be aware that one of the four cardinal virtues of Taoism is to have reverence for all life. Another is to embody the virtue of Gentleness. What do you gain by slagging and criticizing someone who has given up? What do you reap with that hard attitude? It is far better to try to understand the profound decision he came to, rather than criticizing him for it. Gene, would you say that in front of his children? Or in front of your children? I was out recently talking to someone, and asked if he had heard about Robin Williams. He replied that he was an IDIOT in life, and now he is an IDIOT in death, and an IDIOT for eternity. Well, I disagree. Perhaps if all you watch is Fox News, and you haven't thought for yourself since the nineties, that might be true, but really? There is no call to negate this mans whole career to make talking points at a BBQ. What are my thoughts on this? Do they matter? Well, no, they don't, because this was his struggle - not ours, not mine, and not yours. On the day he died, I went and watched "The Fisher King" one of my all time favorite movies, and celebrated the vanquishing of the Red Knight and the quest for the Holy Grail. It is still, and will always be, one of my favorite movies. I believe he was a great human being. I believe he struggled mightily with depression, one of the most misunderstood ailments out there. As much as I would love to believe you can cure yourself with positive thoughts, I don't think it is true. You can only dampen the pain that you feel. And for someone like Robin Williams, who had highs and lows like mountain peaks and valleys, it was not enough. Why judge him now? You only reveal yourself to be of slight character. If anyone out there still reads my blog, realize this: Everyone is fighting their own battle, and it is unbenkownst to you. Give them the freedom to do so. And if someone succumbs to their demons, do not jump all over them for it. It demeans you more than it demeans them. Their struggle is over, but yours is continuing. Better to look to yourself, to your own hate, and ask, Where did that come from? And How did I get to this point? Those questions will reap better answers than the approach you took. -30-