A few weeks ago many in this country mourned the passing of the comedian and actor Robin Williams. We hear of celebrity deaths all the time, but Williams’ death touched the heart of so many because of his unique gifts. Of course he was witty and smart, but he exuded compassion at the same time as he did humor. He could bring us to tears of laughter with his incredible gift for improvisation and comedy. He made us think and he made us cry. His roles as an alien, a father, a teacher, a therapist or a genie all touched a special place in the human soul. Uniquely, Robin Williams was an entertainer who spanned generations of audiences. His death awakened us to the tremendous burden and hurt so many carry as they battle depression, and reminds us to reach out to those in need of support.
One of his roles was in the film “Jack,” where he played the title character, a boy with a rare genetic disorder that caused him to age 4 times faster than normal. He was a 4th grader with the appearance of a 40 year old. While the Francis Ford Coppola directed movie was not a success for either of them, there is a touching and tender moment to inspire our New Year. As the aged valedictorian of his High School class, Jack says “In the end none of us have very long on this earth. Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer skies, when the stars are strung across the velvety night, and a shooting star streaks through the blackness turning night into day. Make a wish. Think of me. Make your life spectacular. I know I did.”
No comments:
Post a Comment