A great man spoke those words in a movie nearly twenty years ago. Sure, they were just lines written for him to recite at the appropriate moment, but – but – through the strength of his skill as an actor, we felt them.

Everyone knows by now that Robin Williams took his own life this past Monday. There have been a few voices with words like ‘coward’ and ‘selfish.’ Those people are the selfish cowards. No one knows what it’s like to live in another’s space. No one knows what is going on in the mind of another.

He was obviously in a lot of pain, pain that he kept internalized, from the sound of it. I’ve been looking at a lot of pictures of him the last few days, and some of the recent ones, even though he’s smiling, it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. His eyes show a deep sadness.

I hope that in his choice to gutter his flame, he will find the peace he needed, and will be able to quiet his racing mind. He will be so sadly, greatly missed by me, and my girls. <3 A few quotes from a few of my favorite Robin Williams movies. “I’m flying, Helen. I’m flying.” – T.S. Garp, The World According to Garp

“Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day… make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular. I know I did.” – Jack Powell, Jack

“Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself.” – Sean Maguire, Good Will Hunting

“One has studied your history. Terrible wars have been fought where millions have died for one idea, freedom. And it seems that something that means so much to so many people would be worth having.” – Andrew Martin, Bicentennial Man

“But, oh! To be free!” – Genie, Aladdin

“There is a wisdom, brothers and sisters, that stands above all others. Never, ever. No matter what. Drop your egg.” – Lovelace, Happy Feet

“I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.” – Lance Clayton, World’s Greatest Dad

Rest easy, funny man. Don’t forget to make your report.

<3 JL