Flowers and candles are placed in memory of actor/comedian Robin Williams on his Walk of Fame star in Hollywood last Monday. (Kevork Djansezian, The Associated Press)
Re: “Robin Williams, manic funnyman, dead at 63,” Aug. 12 news story.
I don’t mourn for celebrities. Even the most sympathetic and heart-wrenching stories rarely speak to me. For Robin Williams, though, my heart is broken.
In part, it is because of Mr. Keating — Williams’ character in “Dead Poets Society” — that I am a teacher. He showed me that teaching can be an avenue for social change. He taught me that the role of a teacher is to challenge convention and conformity. He taught me to encourage students to dream and to do so with laughter and passion.
But I wish he hadn’t left us like this. I wish he had chosen to hold on. I wish he had died delivering the punchline or making one more person’s load in this world just a little bit lighter.
For some, Williams’ suicide is a betrayal. For others, it is selfish. And I understand how they feel. Yet, I think I understand his decision. He simply couldn’t go on with the battle anymore. He chose to surrender.
I forgive him. And I will miss him. And I hope he has found peace at last.
Joshua Hirsch, Denver
This letter was published in the Aug. 17 edition.
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