Me on TV Again, Robin Williams' Rippling Impact

Excuse the self-indulgence, especially if you're a facebook friend, but it's not every day that TV cameras are on me. This is a news-bite by Channel 7 News Reporter Jerry Olenyn. He's a warmhearted man, who invited me to watch him splice this piece together after filming it. Jerry also kindly uploaded this feed for me the other day; it wasn't accessible on their website.

Some random notes: ~While being filmed, I was only concerned about what the wind was doing to my hair. Rightfully so, it's looking pretty wild here. ~TV does not add 20 pounds like they say it does. Thank goodness. ~It doesn't add height either like I hoped it would. But you can't tell how short I am here, or how Jerry scrunched down to film me, so it's all good.

Seriously, though, I'm fortunate to have been interviewed for the local News regarding Robin Williams' death by suicide, which continues to impact us all. Hopefully, honest, open, small and large scale conversations about mental illness and suicide are only beginning. If we can keep the momentum going, lives will undoubtedly be saved. What better tribute to such a wonderful man? This, and continuing to laugh through it all!


Have a nice week, dear friends.

In Memory of Robin Williams

A friend shared a story about Robin Williams. This friend's teen relative was in the hospital -- in a coma and on the brink of death. He'd accidentally taken a horrific fall. Robin Williams was at the same Northern California hospital visiting his mother. They spoke, and my friend told Robin about his relative. Robin went directly to the young patient's room, where he sat for forty-five minutes - holding his hand, talking to him, and joking with him. What a precious soul he was!

Dear Robin

Through the screen 

your gentle spark

Calms our view of worlds dark

The I.C.U. 

where kids fill beds

Your big red nose 

 heals more than meds

Though Vietnam 

 brings horrors near

You jolt us up 

 with morning cheer

And stuff your bra

then mop the floors

For a chance to see

those kids of yours

You're trained to sit

and use a fork.

"Come in, Orson!" Mork from Ork.

The laughs you give

seem without end

A comic genius

Humble friend

You teach and counsel

You're Popeye too

But there's one thing you couldn't do:

Win the war that stole your stage

Depression, drugs - a silent rage

Your fragile soul, beyond compare

A wit so sharp

A heart so rare

 May our love for you

Lift your loved ones through

Your legacy

Now ours to share.

"It is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions." - Susan Schneider, Robin Williams' Wife

None of us is alone. 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the U.S., 1-800-273-TALK (8255)