I was in San Francisco, on a business trip, when I heard Robin had died. I didn't want to believe it. It was a rough week for me, trying to work while mourning the death of a beloved artist and role model. The father I never had. Though it has taken me some time to write this blog about him, I'm glad I waited. I've had time to reflect, research, and understand more about him, which only helped me to respect him more. I, too, live with depression and anxiety. I understand the battle to maintain balance, and build strength when you feel weak. I know that for some, the battle is much more difficult. Knowing that Robin made a great effort to help himself, gives me a sense of acceptance and peace. He is no longer suffering in this life. Now he can move on to the next.
When Robin made films, he left a lasting impression. He gave his everything to his audiences, friends, and family. Billy Crystal said it best at the Emmy Awards 2014, "It's difficult to think of him in the past, because he was so present."
Patch Adams is a great platform in which to remember such a comedic icon. This film becomes the most relevant to Robin's life and legacy because of the purpose. Hunter "Patch" Adams tried to commit suicide, but was saved after connecting with other ill patients, making them laugh. In the film, there is a conversation Patch has with Carin that speaks volumes. Carin asks him if the rumor about his stay at a mental institution was true.
Patch: "I tried to kill myself. The mental ward was the best thing that ever happened to me."
Carin: "What did the doctor's do to help you?"
Patch: "The doctors didn't help me. The patients helped me. They helped me realize that by helping them I could forget about my own problems. And I did. I really helped some of them. It's an incredible feeling."
This is what Robin Williams did for the world. Humor is a great tool in life. It's a shield against negativity, it's a bind between opposing forces, and it's a contagious healing agent. Making us laugh is what made Robin happy. He gave us 40 years of laughs, and each laugh is timeless. He can still be shared with the generations to come. Share Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Aladdin, Jumanji, and Good Morning Vietnam with your kids. They, too, will experience the laughs Robin left behind.
Patch Adams is a great story about a man who hit bottom, but then discovered a reason to live. After getting into medical school, he challenged the world of medicine with a theory that laughter and positivity can benefit the health of the patients. Patch's mentors believed transference between a physician and patient was a bad thing. Patch believed it was essential to the improvement of their quality of life to connect with patients. And he would be right. The Dean of the medical school tries to find a way to expel Patch for being different, offended by his "excessive happiness." The Dean believed doctors are meant to treat the profession with seriousness, and technicalities. He felt the class clown didn't belong. Patch would fight the system in order to graduate.
This film demonstrates the risks Patch took to make his dream a reality. Based on a true story, and true events, Robin Williams shows depth, sincerity, and honesty in a passionate character's fight to be true to himself, and help others.
A great family film, very funny, very moving, and the imperfect moments of the film make it even better! Robin Williams at his best, playing the comedy and tragedy well! I recommend this film to everyone. I can't think of anything negative to say about it.
My Facebook Post:
"Something to remember about depression: when we don't have confidence in ourselves, we look for ways to cope. Humor is a great tool for breaking the ice, making introductions, being expressive, and touching people around us. Depression is more powerful than others realize. I understand it because I've been living with depression for most of my life. Comedy often becomes our only tool to communicate. We poke fun at ourselves as a way to deal with our insecurities. Comedy gives us hope that we can still fit in with everyone else who is more "complete." I've always had a good sense of humor. Making others smile makes me feel better about myself. Having the support and reliance on others makes me stronger." -Lisa Marie Monette
Two legends in film.
"A preview of coming attractions..."
My facebook tribute, that I made, above.
This was a paper outside my hotel during my visit in SF. I took this photo with my phone.
Gone too soon.
RIP
