What do you think when you hear the name- Robin Williams? Comedian and actor. Now, what do you FEEL when you hear the name- Robin Williams? Well, if you're like myself and millions of other people, you probably feel– happy... and then you remember that he's gone. This changes everything for me! Now, here comes the heavy sense of loss and greif… and boy are we well acquainted. I've lost loved ones, and I've lost the life I once knew due to illness. My years of illness gets me to thinking…it leads me to think back to my childhood connection with him; and only then does the heaviness lift, bringing a smile to my face.

It's been years since the tragic loss of a legendary comedian, actor, philanthropist, and honest & endearing human being. My heart aches every single time I see his face and/or hear his name; one can only imagine what his family feels and goes through on a daily basis… not having your partner or Daddy here with you. The fact that he's forever going to be loved and remember until the end of time! He touched every audience; regardless of proximity (home, theatre, stage, 1 on 1, etc.), he brought us joy and drama… but his heart always connected with yours. At least I know that it did mine!

He brought me comfort during my life if growing up/living in hospital; pulling me out of my hospital bed, taking me along on his journey to Agrabah or Neverland. For a child to be drawn into a movie, and to escape their painful and frightening reality, even for but a moment… this is everything. Unless you've been THAT kid, you'll never understand how massive that is!

It's hard losing someone, whether you "know" them or not; but especially so when they're someone who had such an impact, during some of the WORST time/years of my life. He allowed me to TRY to find the funny in every situation…ESPECIALLY during the dark times. I only hope that he knows how pivotal a role he had on my life; and I hope stories like mine bring comfort to his family.

Oh, and to this day- I'll turn on a movie (or his Whose Line Is It Anyways episode) and lose myself in the film and his brilliant story telling. He still brings so much comfort to me, and has the ability to pull me out of my darkness… one laugh at a time!

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