A Moment With Robin Williams

The Christmas photocard signed by Robin Williams (Photo courtesy of Chary Ozaeta-Gohh)

When my son, Paolo was almost three months old and had to undergo an open-heart surgery in December 1996, he had a special visitor while confined at UCSF (University of California in San Francisco) Hospital: Robin Williams. He was so nice and warm towards us.

Unfortunately, Paolo was too young to know who his special visitor was. But I was ecstatic. I found out that every December, Robin Williams would visit the kids confined in the hospital. We were just so lucky to have been there at the time of his visit. I remind Paolo about the visit especially when we watch a Robin Williams’ movie. He has no memory of it, of course.

At the time, I was in a situation I didn't want to be in. Paolo was just recovering from an open-heart surgery and his twin brother, Miguel, was left at home in Manila. When Robin Williams walked into our cubicle, the room just lit up. I actually sort of panicked because I was alone with Paolo and that feeling you have of wanting to tell someone, "It's Robin Williams!”

I had a camera but didn't get a chance to pick it up. His assistant took this photo, which Robin Williams' signed and enclosed in a Christmas photo-card. Thank you, Mr. Robin Williams, for lighting up our day. Your visit meant a lot.  May God embrace you and may you now be at peace.