He wasn't "a coward"

Hunter Patch Adams: You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you'll win, no matter what the outcome. - Robin Williams "Patch Adams"

I awoke this morning like so many others stunned by the news that we had lost the great Robin Williams. More shocking than that was the way in which people were describing his death. He "committed" suicide, he's "a coward". Well murder, rape, adultery, theft those are things you "commit" not suicide, suicide is a decision made by those that literally feel like they have no other place to turn. They are trapped in a world so dark and so lonely nothing can reach them any longer. 
While suicide is devastating and horrible for those left behind and should NEVER be the option chosen it does not make one a coward for choosing it. That has to be the hardest decision ever. Sitting there alone, coming up with the idea that your life is so meaningless that this is truly the best option for everyone around you. 
Mental illness is very real. It is not made up, it is not "fun", it is not something people use to get things, it is a disease that people suffer from and it can be very life threatening.  People that suffer from often don't speak up because of the stigmas attached to it or fear they will not be believed. 
Then there are some that reach such a point of darkness and despair that very little can penetrate the sickness. Please believe me when I say that each life on this earth is precious, that each of you matter.  
It is a sad day today, we lost the man that made the world laugh, and we will never be the same! I hope Robin that you have at least found some peace! Rest easy my friend.
Forever stuck in the 50s,
The modern Lucy Ricardo

A little romance can go a long way.

Good morning from BeaverCleaverville!
I know I haven't been around for awhile and I apologize. My health has been up and down since the line insertion. I thought on my first day back I would discuss something near and dear to my heart : romance from the 50s and how to cross it over to today.
In the 50s romance was alive and well. Men took the time to grab flowers on the way home. To bring home a tiny gift for the wife. Wives appreciated their husbands and were excited when they arrived home. In some ways it was as if the newlywed vibe never left.

In the day and age of text messages, emails, face booking, tweeting, and whatever other electronic way of communicating that removes the personal touch romance seems to be a lost art. I'll share a story to close and make you think. I worked at a local retail store. A gentlemen came to my register to check out. In his hand were comfy pjs, slippers, chocolates, a girly movie, stuff to make dinner, flowers, and a card. I smiled at him and said "ah must be someone's birthday!" He replied simply "nah it's just Tuesday!" I stood there in shock and melted at the thought of this amazing gesture. So make sure those around you know how much you love them, not because it's a holiday...but just because "it's Tuesday".
Forever stuck in the 50s,
The modern Lucy Ricardo