Life's twists and turns are unfathomable. Through a series of almost unbelievable coincidences (divine intervention, for those of us on the religious side), I was able to show up in California in time to save my 93-year-old uncle from dying from a heart attack. That's an example of a jaw-dropping miracle.
Then, there are the jaw-dropping tragedies, such as the apparent suicide of Robin Williams. I, too, have suffered from major depression for many years and don't dare try to stop taking antidepressants. I have considered suicide too many times to count but, thank God, have never actually made an attempt. How sad that there was no one near Robin Williams just before he took the final step to say, "Let's talk. Do you realize how unhappy I'll be if you're no longer here?"
I have read that creativity is often born of attempts to escape inner demons. If that is true in Robin Williams's case, the world is better off because of his demons. The joy he gave his audiences won't soon be forgotten.
Zichrono Liv'racha -- As we say in Judaism, may his memory be for a blessing. And may we pour lots of dollars into research on depression so that he is the last to convince himself that he (or she) is worthless.
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
