freedomfighter4

   I was so startled this evening to read the news that Robin Williams has died.  I was certain for a moment that it was one of those awful hoaxes that often buzz around the internet.  I really hoped that it was.

  This man was a huge part of my childhood.  An old and reliable friend that made the world a more jovial place to be.  He made the world laugh.  It fills me with infinite sadness to know he struggled so much with depression and addiction.  They are both ugly demons that I have seen far to closely.  They can batter and wear even the strongest among us down into shadow.  It is a testament to Mr. Williams tenacity that he weathered so well and so long the storm that swirled endlessly around him.

 I am reminded of a poignant moment in the movie "Hook" in which Robin played the role of Peter Pan.  A Peter who had left Neverland.  He grew into a man and the world weigh heavy upon him.  I recall the scene in which the Lost Boys reject him, seeing only the tired, bare-thread man he had become.  They retreat from him . . . save one.  The smallest of the Boys touches his face with his tiny hands.  He soothes away the wrinkles and lines of worry.  He pushes them back and looks deep into his eyes.  The tiny boy smiles and whispers "There you are."

  May eternity see a great man for exactly what he was . . . a great man.  May whatever wondrous mystery that awaits him and us all sooth away the lines of worry and the wrinkles that reside upon the soul so that we can look upon ourselves anew and whisper "There you are."