Oh, Andrea... I loved this piece when I read it in the Robin Williams challenge, it broke my heart and I'm truly sorry for your loss. It's a beautiful dedication to him and I'm sure he is smiling down upon you. <3

The opening is very lovely. It speaks so true of society nowadays because people are so quick to judge. They think that people who commit suicide are cowards and are going to go straight to hell before they even know their story, their struggle. Some patches of darkness are just too dark to live with, depression takes over and all it takes is a split second decision.

Your Papa suffered from Parkinson's disease and depression, possibly both from the PD and from losing his wife. He missed her and decided that it was his time to join her.

I love the mention of the memory of him giggling at you trying to herd cattle in his big boots - too cute!

No matter what, you still love him. He may have made a decision that affected you all but you don't love him any less for it... it just made you miss him sooner than you expected.

I'm sorry to hear that your family endures so much pain with the Parkinson's disease. My Papa suffered with it, as well.

I'm glad you wrote this and I hope many people read this and learn something new about not only depression and suicide but Parkinson's disease. <3

Its a pity how society views depression. They don't seem to know or understand the underlying reason. A touching write of memories both happy and sad...take care.