This year has been hard on everyone. We had the stress from the elections, some of the craziest weather on record, and too much death for anyone to comprehend. We lost many great artists onstage and screen.
The first couple of deaths shocked the nation with the loss of Prince and David Bowie. Two brilliant musicians that had helped to break boundaries in our music industry. I remember the night before Bowie passed I was at my gig with my brother and his band had played under pressure by Freddie Mercury and David Bowie. When I heard about his passing I couldn't believe it. How can someone of his talent just be gone and not be able to give us any more of his brilliance. With Prince it was hard for me to understand how someone I grew up listening to could just be gone. The thing we have left from them that will never disappear is their music, they will live on forever in the melodies we know oh so well. When news spread about George Micheal's passing everyone knew that even though this year was coming to a close we would still be losing a few of our idols.
Death had not just hit our music industry but some of the most talented stars in the film industry as well. The loss of Alan Rickman was just the beginning. Known by many for his role in the Harry Potter series as Professor Snape and for his role in Die Hard. Kids that grew up with the series were heartbroken to hear that one of their favorite actors from the movies had passed. Along with him we lost Carrie Fisher. Growing up watching Star Wars she was the type of woman I wanted to become. Strong, Independent, and not afraid to fight for what she believed in. Her death hit me near and dear to my heart. Her mother also played a big role in my life. Debbie Reynolds was in 'Singing in the Rain' along side Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner. That movie was one of the reasons I am as in love with dance and theater as much as I am today. They were the role models that helped me follow my dreams. The deaths of mother and daughter brought us to our knees and caught us in a tail spin. It will take a long time for me to comprehend that they are truly gone.
This year really rocked us with the shocks of death and the loss of such amazing people. Some other people that we lost and love are Muhammed Ali, Christina Grimmie, Kenny Baker, Gene Wilder, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. You will always be remembered in our hearts and in your works. We lost people that we grew up learning from and watching them do what they love and they will forever be with us and our memories. May they all rest in peace.
