The news is all hyperbolically cry-worthy this week, but Robin Williams’ suicide hit me the hardest. Here’s why: We lost a selfless GIVER. He gave everything in him to his audiences, his scene partners, and to other people struggling with addictions and depression. All of the other problems in the world right now seem too complex to wrap my mind around any kind of a solution, but in Robin Williams’ life, I could hold on to something.  Not saying I’d want to be married to him, but if you made a balance sheet for what he took and what he gave, I think “gave” would win by miles. He’ll be remembered and loved because of what he gave to millions of us-but also because of what he gave to individuals. He went to Andy Dick’s stand up shows and was the only one who laughed at his jokes. Can’t top that.  He saw a human being-one hurt, struggling, mess of a human being and gave him his laughter. He knew platitudes and advice weren’t going to help. He just gave Andy what he instinctively knew he needed-to be valued.

Many of his friends and colleagues recounted running into Williams and being held in a hug that enveloped them in love and energy. He was just so excited to see that one person that he would pour love onto him. That’s what I’m holding onto. I can’t prevent genocide in Iraq or cure Putin’s megalomania, but I CAN look at the one- persons around me and let them know I’m happy they’re here.