Our hearts break for Michelle Williams, the mother
of Heath Ledger's two-year-old daughter; so while we're on our
leave-people-alone kick, please allow Michelle Williams, little Matilda,
and Heath's family to grieve in peace, loves! The Daily Telegraph has reported that
Michelle spoke out publicly for the first time since Heath's untimely
passing, through Heath's publicist, asking everyone to please respect that
she's devastated and needs time alone.
"Please respect our need to grieve
privately," her statement said. "My heart is
broken...I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited,
beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her
father.
"All that I can cling to is his presence
inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch
Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals and takes steps two at a
time and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up
with the best memories of him."
Of course, Heath Ledger's
death was a wound to all of us - we all felt our heartstrings tug and our
sympathy unfold like a wordless embrace. He was an international
talent and treasure and there is nothing wrong with feeling the pain of
everyone's collective loss. But we all should keep firmly in our
minds that these family members are real people suffering
the loss in a far more personal way; even if they're holding international
attention at the moment, their privacy should be honored as grief is
healed by nothing but time and self-reflection.
Which has to be done in private.
1. Try not to search for news on
Michelle Williams, nor her family. We know, we posted this - but it
was for a reason (a-ha - caught ya!).
2. The paparazzi love to
take their snapshots regardless of whose feelings they step on - so if you
see a tabloid with photos for Michelle or Matilda on the cover and
they weren't out at a public event - don't pick it up. It was likely
taken by the grieving family on their way to the supermarket, or to
worship, or wherever it is they need to go day to day. It's just not
fair to the families.
3. If you'd like
somewhere to talk about Heath's loss, there is a fan site and guest book
set up where you can leave condolences, reminiscences, and thoughts about
Heath. Talk it out for a while with some cyberfolks until you feel
better. It is completely normal to be sympathetic for this
tragedy.
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