The death of Robin Williams has deeply saddened me. I feel sorry for his family, and for those of us affected by his work. But, I mostly feel sorry for him. Artists like Robin Williams give, and give, and give, and yet he didn’t feel like he got enough back out of life to live.
We take for granted that artists are there to inspire us, make us laugh, make us cry, help us fall in love, and get over falling out of love. They give up more than we know. The artist’s soul is fed by giving, by creating, by going where most of us fear going. They are open and honest and feel and experience life to the extremes. We love where they take us.
Artists are in a spotlight that few of us will be under. Sure, artists get fortune and fame, but as we’ve seen over and over again; that is not what life is about. That does not provide true happiness and fulfillment.
I remember when I read about the suicide of Del Shannon back in 1990. That hit me hard, though at the time I wasn’t familiar with his body of work except for “Runaway.” I thought it was tragic that someone who had given of himself so freely couldn’t find satisfaction or happiness.
I have felt the same way with other artists that have ended their lives, but Williams’ death hurts much more because of the amount of joy he brought to me. Reading the countless tributes, I know he affected others just as much. There’s a sense of guilt with that as well. He gave so much, but I couldn’t do anything for him, like I could do anything for him since I didn’t know him personally. It’s funny how we just take, and think our interaction is complete with the purchase of a ticket or CD.
What I can do is admire and respect artists who give everything to entertain us. When someone exhibits behavior we question, we have no idea what that person is dealing with, we can appreciate their life without judgment. I can love those around me and encourage them through this journey called life.
I feel like Robin Williams was a comet that could only shine for so long before burning out. He gave what he could, and it was time to move on. He will truly be missed and I hope he has found what he was looking for.
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