Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way. ~John Muir
This week marks the date when the beloved Robin Williams took his own life. Although I wrote this three years ago, this post still honors his life, another life who touched his deeply, and those who suffer from depression. Depression has been a darkness I have known all too well for much of my life, like so many others. But it can end.
And it does end.
There are dark days, but we can find the Light. I believe animals help us to do just that.
You can read my original post below:
In 2001 Robin Williams and Koko the Gorilla experienced this Light when they met each other. The video below shows how Koko instantly connected with Robin.
Koko, like us, can sense a person’s nature and in this case, she was quickly drawn to Robin’s warm heart. Robin made Koko smile — something she hadn’t done for over six months, ever since her childhood gorilla companion, Michael, passed away. – Dr. Penny Patterson, president of The Gorilla Foundation
Only Koko and Robin know what was discussed and felt during their brief time together, but we can see in the video that their time together was meaningful and poignant for each of them.
Not only did Robin cheer up Koko, the effect was mutual, and Robin seemed transformed — from a high-energy entertainer, into a mellow, sensitive, empathetic guy, who also happened to be really funny.
The Gorilla Foundation – where Koko lives – released a statement explaining that when Koko was informed of Robin William’s death, she remembered her friend and displayed sadness. Robin and Koko may have had a brief encounter, but they clearly formed a friendship that touched Koko. I’d like to believe that Koko touched his heart as well.
Aug 11, 2014: We salute a beloved man today. A Genie, a teacher, a boy that never grew up, a nanny, an artist who could hug you with that warm smile and make you laugh till you cried. He voiced many characters and was a voice for those who could not speak. A family lost a loved one. Wherever he is, we hope he is at peace and free, just like the Genie he immortalized. We will miss his sweet laugh and be grateful for all the joy he brought us. Oh Captain, My Captain. We will never forget you. We salute you Robin Williams. ~ Photo Lab Pet Photography
People all around the world are mourning the death of Robin Williams in their own way. Many have been deeply saddened by his sudden passing. But no matter how you feel about the circumstances, we need to honor that we all suffer at times in life. We understand what it means to hurt, and we understand what it feels like to want the pain to end. I have been there myself. It’s a very dark and lonely place. But we can find the Light.
My prayer is that Robin has found the peace he so longed for and deserved. May he no longer feel pain, sadness, or despair. May he be as joyful and as lighthearted as we see him in this video with Koko. May his soul be at rest. May he now know the joy, laughter, and Light that he brought to so many people all around the world through his work.
May we all continue to see him as happy and as carefree as he is in this video.
May we remember that our animal companions can help to bring us back to our true state of being, which is love, joy, peace, and happiness.
May you have these kind of powerful, unforgettable moments with the animals in your home during the many stages of life, love, and death.
Robin, thank you for being a fearless and fabulous human. Thank you for helping us to laugh, and thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. You will be missed by many. Namaste.
You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.
– Robin Williams
Conscious Companion® 