So long, Robin Williams

I had seen Robin Williams perform live. And, of course, I had seen him in movies and TV.

When my mother was dying during a time in which I faced other challenges and the weight of it all seemed very hard, I heard him deliver this line: “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.” It made my smile. Gave me a lift.

I am sure many found that kind of personal benefit from Robin Williams. The best remembrance I have read of this gifted comic came this morning from Doug Elfman in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. It’s filled with things like this:

Elfman said: “First, I asked him if he put any thought into his stage wardrobe.” Williams replied: “Very little compared to Cher. Those are museum pieces. I think she puts more thoughts into the wardrobes than the tattoos. ‘This Place For Rent’ is usually the last tattoo.”

I can picture that exchange in my head. Priceless. I encourage you to find the time to read Doug’s piece.

As an Episcopalian (my faith tradition) Williams was known affectionately for his “Top 10 Reasons To Be An Episcopalian.”

10. No snake handling.

9. You can believe in dinosaurs.

8. Male and female God created them; male and female we ordain them.

7. You don’t have to check your brains at the door.

6. Pew aerobics.

5. Church year is color-coded.

4. Free wine on Sunday.

3. All of the pageantry - none of the guilt.

2. You don’t have to know how to swim to get baptized.

And the No. 1 reason to be an Episcopalian: