Cover Faux!

I woke this morning to receive the news that Robin Williams was dead; cause of death: suspected suicide. I would have struggled to remember his name, but not his face. Jumanji still comes to mind once in a while, with all its mysteries. I recently saw him in "One night in the Museum", and more recently in "The Big Wedding" and his grin made me grin more. I wasn't particularly surprised at the news, not because I knew he battled with depression, alcohol and drug addiction; but because I understand that there's more to a book than its cover. You might not be able to imagine the struggles of the fellow next to you until he opens up and allows you read between the lines of his story.  The Bible says a merry heart does good like medicine, yet I doubt this man had a good dose of his own medicine even though he dispensed merriment ( even his expressions made me smile). It seems the second part of this scripture describes his fate better- a broken heart dries up the bones. A lot of people would give anything to attain his height! I mean, he was an Oscar-award nominee severally and a winner once. He basked in fame and glam from time to time and lived the Hollywood dream at one point of his career or the other. Why would a person commit suicide after such feat? Simple answer: In the words of Jesus "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of that which he possesseth". The preacher also laments ' vanity, futile! All is meaningless'. If these words weren't true, I doubt we would have so many celebs taking their lives. If the fame and glam and paparazzi and fun were all that mattered, then we won't have such a large diary of celeb suicides. The relationships we form, the lives we influence , the purpose we pursue, these are the more important things. I know a typical Nigerian always hopes for a brighter day and loves his/her life too much to contemplate ending it, but before it even gets to that point of giving up, take a chill pill from time to time and re-evaluate your goals, achievements and relationships; put every straying strand back in place.  Suicide doesn't just happen, it must have evolved from a tiny voice, a simple thought which wasn't put in its rightful place but was allowed to go on and on till it evolved into an action. Call a loved one, listen to their plight, tell them how much you love or miss them. Don't be stingy with words of affirmation.  Robin Williams has joined the archives of celebrity suicide, he has left his family, friends and fans to deal with whatever ghosts he was struggling with and has taught us once again to pay attention to the things that matter and not be carried away by the vanities of this world. May his Family, friends and fans be comforted and may we who remain live a life worthy of a Kudos when the giver of life calls us to him. Phone a friend Today, it's more than a MTN WWTBAM lifeline, it can save a life too!