This is why I haven’t written for a few days. I was so floored by the loss of these two artists that I didn’t know how to respond. I wasn’t a true fan of Carrie Fisher, but even I know she’s an icon. The more I’ve learned about her, the more I’m coming to respect her as a person, not just an icon. She has actively worked to lessen the stigma of mental illness, especially bipolar disorder.
Now George Michael was a different story. I loved him as part of Wham! and on his own. My mom used to comment on how white and straight his teeth were. Now I hear music he wrote that’s new to me. I see the magnitude of the gift he shared with the world. I’m hearing about his philanthropy too. This makes me happy, after his struggles.
So much of my younger years is passing away fast. It makes me think of my own mortality too. George was only 53, while I turn 50 in May. Carrie was 60, and I’ll be there in nothing flat. I can’t even make sense of that part of it yet.
The world won’t be the same without these two.
Finding Our Voices Together 