I don't normally rant about things but I need to get this off my chest.

I, like most other people, think that Robin Williams' death is tragic.  I think it's the saddest thing in the world that a man who spent his life making other people laugh took his own life. That he reached his lowest point and couldn't find a different way out.  It's horrible and I truly feel for his friends and family, everyone he left behind.

The media coverage of his death has brought to light some of the things depression can lead people to do.  I think it's opened the doors for dialog and understanding.  If there's something good to come of this, I think it's that people are talking and they're taking a closer look at the people they care about to look for signs that something is off.

What I don't like is the negative comments and I really don't like the fact that information pertaining to how he died was released to the general public.  First of all, he's got a family that is in a state of shock and they're grieving.  Show some compassion, people.  Everyone is entitled to their opinions on what he did, but be respectful.  Instead of slamming him, remember how he made you laugh at one point or another.

As far as how he ended his life, that's no one's business besides that of his family.  It's one thing if he had died of a heart attack, but it's a little different when he took his own life.  If he were a member of my family, I might want to know and then again, maybe not.  I wouldn't want it broadcast all over though.  I didn't know Robin, but I don't want to remember him by how he died, I want to remember him by how he lived and all the good he did.

Regardless of whatever opinions you have of Robin Williams and his death, remember he was a human being.  Being a celebrity doesn't change that.  Now there's a void that can never be filled -- a wife who lost her husband, children who lost their father and others who lost a good friend.  Instead of focusing on all the negative, keep Robin, his family and friends in your prayers.  My guess is he'd do the same for you.

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