Silence In The Laughter

                                     So many of us were so shocked to hear about Robin Williams death in the way it happened.  He was the most vocal about his problems with addiction and alcohol.  I never knew he had been battling severe depression.  It was shocking to me how this man, who brought so much laughter to TV and Movie Screens over the years, could go to the other extreme.  From his very being, I could always sense like so many that he was indeed a wonderful, sweet man.  For the past few days, I have been listening to the reports of his death but also the tribute to his life and all he had shared with others.  It is my prayer that more people will recognize depression as an illness and just not a stigma.  There is a link between heart disease and depression, depression goes hand and hand to so many diseases.  We need to treat both with dignity.  One of my favorite movies of Robin Williams, is "Patch Adams" I picked out a segment out of the movie that I just love, it is kinda fitting now since he is gone, it almost brings you to tears.  I hope and pray he will always know how much joy he gave to others, a larger than life character of his own that he shared with the world.  For those like me who battle depression, I almost can not express the meaning of his humor in words which brought me out of so many sad feelings, when I would watch him perform.  I only wish someone was there for him.  Rest In Peace, "Captain My Captain."