Robin Williams August 2014

Some thoughts on the passing of Robin Williams:  First let me explain that Robin Williams looks physically like a member of my family. Even his movements mimic some members of my family.  I have always admired him and felt deep affection for him.  Like so many funny people, he made others smile while he was hurting inside.  He was close friends with Michael J. Fox who has PD.  He witnessed the suffering of MJ through the years so that when he received the diagnosis of PD himself recently, he was totally overwhelmed.  Chronic depression most of his life was enough.  He saw how his sickness affected those he loved.  He couldn't bear the thought of being more of a burden to his loved ones. What a  painful decision he made to take his own life!  How sad he must have been near the end. 

I live with the threat of the PD I struggle with daily becoming a burden to my loved ones.  It scares the hell out of me.  Many around me have died recently of PD.  My brother Gary is in failing health as a 67 year old with PD. He cannot live unassisted.  I often question why I have been given this burden in this life.  As I look back on my life, I realize it has been a challenging one.  Sickness, failures, deaths and losses have always been part of  my life.  I have witnessed a great deal that most people never do.  In turn, I have been given incredible gifts throughout.  My gratitude outweighs my sadness.

I wish Robin had been able to see his spectacular gifts and that they outweighed his terrible challenges that he had faced and the uncertain challenges that came with the PD diagnosis.  RIP my dear friend!!