Michael J. Ivins/Getty ImagesIt still doesn't seem real to say it out loud: Robin Williams is gone. While the death of a celebrity is always tragic, our collective heartbreak over losing Robin Williams has transcended the usual shock and grief—it truly feels as if we've lost a part of our family.
In honor of his legacy, we dedicated this week's #eonlinechat to the memory of Robin Williams; what started as a celebration of his career turned into a cathartic, moving and uplifting look at how one man meant so much to so many people.
We asked our Twitter followers to share how Robin Williams made in impression in their lives—here are a few of the most touching responses:
From lessons in kindness...
Robin Williams taught me to find the humor in each & every day and the importance of being kind to one another. #eonlinechat
? Kalie (@KMLuklan) August 13, 2014...to finding our joy:
Robin Williams taught me that even in your darkest days, you can make them happier with a little laughter. #eonlinechat
? Will Poulter (@wpou2000) August 13, 2014From recognizing what's important in life...
He taught me that life is an adventure and to have fun #eonlinechat
? Kellie DiMaggio (@KellieDiMaggio) August 13, 2014...to showing us nothing is impossible:
@ENews He brought such a creative free spirit to his career! He made you believe that anything is possible! #eonlinechat :)
— Chareen Ibraheem (@monquiesofierce) August 13, 2014For embracing our inner goofballs...
He taught me, and all of us that being goofy was okay... And that it's possible to make a living by making people happy #eonlinechat
? Taylor Banks (@MsTaylorBanks) August 13, 2014...to helping us connect with our loved ones:
he brought us together as a family same room same time when we were kids, mrs d, aladdin, hook etc we had video nights #eonlinechat
? Laura (@la_steel64) August 13, 2014From teaching us how to find our voice...
this line he had from "Dead Poets Society" changed my life. #eonlinechat pic.twitter.com/sOo793Cjd1
? Sol Matalam (@solmatalam) August 13, 2014...to showing us that humor can heal us:
He showed me that no matter how bad your day may be going, a little laughter can turn it all around. =) #eonlinechat
? Mea (@MagicalMea) August 13, 2014From helping us stay young at heart...
He reminds us that we never have to grow up. ??#eonlinechat
? Sandra D! (@sandelida) August 13, 2014...to showing us what really matters:
he taught me to have lots of fun no matter what and make sure you treat your family with RESPECT #eonlinechat
? Randal's Girl (@bellasmovement) August 13, 2014From leading the way to self-acceptance...
He taught be to be myself, whether it be thru laughter, charitable, a serious person or a nerd: just to be yourself. #eonlinechat
? Karen (@karenkaren82) August 13, 2014...to helping us forgive ourselves:
Hands down. "It's not your fault" - Good Will Hunting. It changed my life. #eonlinechat pic.twitter.com/ClybigJDFd
? jenn. (@jenns29) August 13, 2014From opening our eyes to how important we are...
He taught us that in pain there is hope. Never give up the fight to be well and happy. #eonlinechat
? Miss Giggles (@AndreaKcc) August 13, 2014...to showing us how to brighten the world around us:
#eonlinechathe taught me that making people laugh is a gift,and it may be a small thing, but it means the world #RIPRobinWilliams
? Lauren Sharpe (@LaurenRazor725) August 13, 2014For all these lessons and for the time and laughter he shared with us, we only have one thing to say: thank you, Robin.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).