Like most of the world, I am in shock as I write this. No, I never met famous comedian Robin Williams. I never sent him fan letters or visited Hollywood and looked for his star. But when the news of his death broke, it struck me like it was one of my family members. Our family watched many of his movies in theatres and in our living room with popcorn in hand. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He inspired us and gave us hope. He was the crazy, really hairy man who went to great lengths to bring a character to life, and took us to fantastical lands we never thought possible.

I can't tell you which of his films I admired more: Hook, Patch Adams, Dead Poets Society, What Dreams May Come, Jumanji, Good Will Hunting, Night at the Museum, The Bird Cage…

My heart is broken.

With Robin's death, a little bit of my laughter and your laughter died. It wasn't about another actor dying, but about a piece of us, a piece of this light of life, being extinguished.

I don't want to make this about depression or addiction, but there's always hope, there's always help. I wish Robin could have found both.

Something like this, happening so abruptly, pulls us all up short. It makes us re-evaluate things. It makes us recognize how fragile life is. It makes us ask questions we usually avoid. He seemed to have so much to live for. Why? Could this have been prevented? Who could have intervened? Am I struggling with depression right now? Should I ask for help? Am I alone or can I really talk to someone who can help me?

Again, I don't want to make this tribute all about the burdens and struggles of life, but when someone who shines so brightly burns out in this way, we can't help but consider these things. We all face the pressures of life. We all face dark days, sometimes seasons, and must journey through them.

Robin, thank you for making us laugh. You inspired us with so much hope, but lost hope yourself. In your death, your family, friends and fans are left with questions that will go unanswered. You faced battles and now we mourn because we couldn't help you overcome. If only WE could have made YOU laugh….

I know God is a God of great mercy and grace. I don't know how grace works, but I know that it extends far beyond what our human minds can comprehend. As you stand before that great God of grace, may his love be lavished upon you. I pray you have found ultimate healing from your struggles and battles in life. I pray also for your family, for their hurting hearts and questioning minds.

August 11, 2014 was truly the day laughter died.

Captain Scott Strissel lives in Brainerd, Minnesota. He is an active blogger and contributor for the purpose of encouraging and challenging the Salvation Army world. Read his blog at pastorsponderings.org.