Oh Captain! My Captain!

August 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Laughter disappeared from our universe yesterday.  It’s doubtful that, in our lifetimes, most of us will know anyone else with the absolute genius of Robin Williams.

There is so much we didn’t know about Robin aside from his celebrity status.  Yes, the years he battled with his addictions have repeatedly been shared by the media trolls but underneath all of it was severe depression.  It plagued him.  Mercilessly.

I won’t begin to profess any great knowledge on this other than having paternal family members who suffered with this demonic affliction, as shared by a family historian.  Even today, those who have similar issues seem to be regarded in an almost uncomfortable, patronizing, manner by others.  How ironic that some major physical illness seems to warrant more compassion for an individual than some acute level of despondency which has its insidious grips on that person.   Somehow, society seems to follow a road of great difficulty in dealing with most levels of mental incapacitation.  People don’t want to understand, most choose to keep a safe distance away even when someone so desperately needs help.

All of this isn’t what brought me here to write today.   Robin Williams did.  Wonderful memories of his iconic face, brilliant talent and the emptiness he’s now left behind for all who admired him made me just want to note something on his behalf.   I tweeted earlier that Robin had me at Mork; from that point on, I was a loyal fan of this remarkable human being.  Like many, my heart hurts at his loss and for the unimaginable pain that caused him to leave his gift of laughter behind.

Oh Captain!  My Captain!  Carpe diem! 

You seized the day, Robin Williams!  You made our lives extraordinary!

 

 

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It’s happening…

August 3, 2014 by 2 Comments

I have a favorite holiday movie from many years ago.  Who doesn’t, you think while wondering just why the heck I’m bringing this up in August.

Let me explain.

It wasn’t the entire movie but one specific line that just flew into my head when I received a friend request on Facebook.  As I responded to this new/old friend from years ago I thought…”it’s happening!” 

I’ll explain further.

48 days from this very moment (less a few hours) my 50th high school reunion will be in full swing.  Over these last few months, classmates have been reaching out to each other with many of us learning so much about the lives we’ve lost touch with over these past years.  We spend time laughing, sharing and consoling as we rekindle friendships or, in my case, getting the chance to talk with those I once admired from a distance.  We are all bubbling over with excited anticipation as our big night draws closer.

So, how does this Christmas movie play in to all of this?

Well, at first I was hesitant, even ambivalent, about attending my reunion as I was always a bit of an outsider in high school.  I wrote about it last year, then gave it a great deal of thought.   The passing of years brings so many changes and attitudes can remain unmovable or they can soften, become eager to explore, and make up for lost time.  I wrote about that as well and remembered this 1977 holiday movie called The Gathering which was about a family separated by indifference and arguments who comes together again for a reunion.  At one point, the father, played by Ed Asner, exclaims “it’s happening” as everyone agrees to share the Christmas holiday.

Now, on September 20, 2014, a very large group of friends, some who were like family to each other during many years of school, will meet again for a very special gathering, a celebration of what we were and all we’ve become.  We will miss those who are unable to attend and softly speak of friends we’ve lost. 

Yes.  It’s happening!

 

 

 

 

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The Pillow

June 29, 2014 by 2 Comments

Photographs flashed across the screens, one blending into another, moving quickly, telling a story about him while sharing brief glimpses of their life together.

Over the years, his smile hadn’t changed.  The expressions on his face told the story of a strong, yet gentle, man.  Seeing them together told of the great love they had for each other. 

As the long line reached into the room, conversations were silenced by the sound of her tears.  She sat, clutching a pillow which must have still held his scent in its softness, dutifully listening to the words from each person who tried to ease her pain, trying to comprehend this loss she could not understand, even accept. 

Their future, which in so many ways had barely begun, was over.  As their memories danced across the screens, she held his pillow even tighter as if to keep him closer.  And…she cried.

 

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

 

This is my small tribute to a friend who passed away suddenly, a wonderful member of our club.  His loss will be felt greatly by all who knew him but even our grief cannot compare to that of his loving wife.

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