My Friend Mork

July 21 1951 - August 11 2014

The post below is simply a cut and paste of responses, one made as a comment on a blog post, one made as a reply to a comment on a blog post created by two Team Netherworld teammates. I wanted to share these thoughts of mine to illustrate what Robin Williams, and specifically his character Mork, meant to a troubled young woman in need of a friend.

I was eighteen and started my one semester living in a dorm at C.U. Boulder in 1978. I had a very hard time adjusting. I drank a lot and did drugs. I was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance. I ended up attempting suicide.

Robin Williams' funny portrayal of Mork helped me heal more than counseling did. I loved Mork. I felt like he wouldn't have judged me. I daydreamed about him being my friend. Not my boyfriend, but a platonic friend. I wished that Mork could be real. I sometimes drove past the Mork and Mindy house.

I don't know how I couldn't have seen that Robin was suffering from depression. He was one of my favorite people. I know there's nothing I could have done. I just feel a bit ashamed for being so oblivious.

http://thewildpomegranate.com/2014/08/12/when-the-wild-things-cry-part-ii

I survived a suicide attempt made at the age of 18. I wasn’t treated as badly as some friends have reported being treated when being placed on a psychiatric unit, which is pretty amazing for the time (1978.) However, I did feel like I was condescended to and viewed as less than human.

My first introduction to Robin Williams was the same as for many people, the Mork and Mindy TV show. I was a lonely young lady and I sometimes daydreamed that it would be wonderful if Mork could be my real life friend. I had a pair of rainbow suspenders to try to remind me to see the positive things in life. I cried and cried when I heard of Robin’s passing. How could I have no idea that someone who meant so much to me, even if I didn’t know him, was suffering so? The tears of a clown, I suppose.

http://dothedead.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/the-netherworld-welcomes-robin-williams-and-a-little-angel

Mork and Robin forever reside in the Netherworld and in my heart.

Love always,

DJ Dolly