Requiem for Robin Williams

With great sadness I heard the news of Robin Williams' death.  Like so many comedians he used his humor as a barrier to fend off the demons that milled about outside his door--perhaps as an unsuccessful cry for help.  I didn't actually care for his humor, but there was something of a connection through my daughter and son-in-law who were acquainted with him in Marin County, California.

I remember a snippet of an interview on, I believe, 60 Minutes some years ago when he was asked why he was the way he was, why he was so frenetic.  His answer went something like "It's more fun to pretend than to live in the real world."

John Lennon once said "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans".  Perhaps the saying might be changed a bit to "Life is what happens while you're busy trying to keep the demons away from the door."

We all have our means of coping with diversions: Toys, drugs, sex, travel.  Others through work. Some dodges work better than others, but the demons are always at the door.  For some they tap gently; for others they beat with hammers.  Robin heard hammers.

Robin had family, friends, wealth,everything that we are told makes life worth living, but everything wasn't enough: "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?"

I shall miss him.