In Memory: Robin Williams

I watched the story break across Facebook yesterday after supper. Robin Williams, age 63, had died, most likely of a suicide. A man who brought so much laughter and joy to our world over the past three decades is gone. Reports started coming that he had been wrestling with depression recently. He was also well-known as a recovering alcoholic-addict who at times has struggled with sobriety.

The combination of addiction and depression is a lethal mix. While one does not necessarily cause the other, they can be difficult to untangle. Both need to be treated.

Fortunately that message also spread across Facebook last evening. Like the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman from a drug overdose last winter, Robin Williams death raises awareness of this deadly disease.

We will miss Williams' humor and insanity. May there be a lesson for all to learn as well.