There are two things that are certain in life: you live, and you die.
What happens in between is in your hands–and yours alone. It’s one of the few things about human existence that’s not dictated by machines, clocks or people in suits. It’s a completely man-made journey, but when man’s world comes crashing down unexpectedly, nothing is ever the same.
For actor Patton Oswalt, that change came when his wife, writer Michelle McNamara, died without warning in her sleep in April of this year. In an exclusive article, Upworthy.com contributor Jon Comulada says that Oswalt “describes grief as only he can,” as evident in the actor’s uniquely beautiful Facebook post on Aug. 1. It marked 102 days since McNamara’s death, and serves as an open letter to emotion, depression and grief:
“[To grief]: Thanks for making depression look like the buzzing little bully it always was. Depression is the tallest kid in the 4th grade, dinging rubber bands off the back of your head and feeling safe on the playground, knowing that no teacher is coming to help you.”
Oswalt continued to address human emotion as a real person in his post, aiming his focus on depression. He ended with an equally beautiful sediment about his career moving forward:
I’m going to start telling jokes again soon. And writing. And acting in stuff and making things I like and working with friends on projects and do all the stuff I was always so privileged to get to do before the air caught fire around me and the sun died. It’s all I knew how to do before I met Michelle. I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do now without her–and not because, “It’s what Michelle would have wanted me to do.” For me to even presume to know what Michelle would have wanted me to do is the height of arrogance on my part. That was one of the many reasons I so looked forward to growing old with her. Because she was always surprising me. Because I never knew what she’d think or what direction she’d go.
I don’t think you can deny that. I don’t think you can downplay that–whether you’re a celebrity or not. If anything, I’m glad Owalt chose to write this. It shows humility, grace and honesty. I also think it shows that depression and other emotions people deem as negative can actually lift man up–not tear him down, if handled the right way.
So I, for one, would like to say this: Thank you, Patton Oswalt.
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Photo Credit: Dan Meyers on Unsplash
Can’t imagine. Not sure if I could do it. For now we live each precious day with purpose and appreciation.
Heart goes out to the man.
Oswalt’s words really shook me up. Finding a way to go on is without a roadmap. Really reminds you to think about how we are living each day. Take no act for granted. See the meaning in all our choices. Earn Each Moment.