2016.
As much as we’d like to blame a year for all the tragedies
and loss that happened, unfortunately it’s life. Death has a way of coming when
we don’t expect it to, or even when we do. Stopping it is a temporary fix. It’s
the cycle of life that keeps spinning.
What’s tragic is the amount of talent that was lost in a
single year.
Muhammad Ali: He changed the face of boxing and celebrity as
we know it today. We would not have our Mike Tysons, our Sugar Ray Robinsons,
even our Rocky Balboas without the antics of Cassius Clay.
Gene Wilder: The actor who created the world of pure
imagination for so many children. Combine this with so many other great roles –
Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, Stir Crazy, Silver Streak and so many
other fabulous films – and he will live in our hearts forever.
David Bowie: Musician. Actor. Icon. Unforgettable.
Alan Rickman: The actor we loved to hate. He captured our
hearts in the Harry Potter films with the ultimate sacrifice. Always, Alan.
Always.
George Gaines: Not all of you will recognize his name, but
Commandant Lassard lives on from Policy Academy for me.
Prince: I have no words. The Artist in purple lives on
though his music.
Garry Marshall: This writer/producer/actor has touched your
life. I guarantee it. If you loved Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Mork and
Mindy – you have him to thank. Directed movies like Pretty Woman, Beaches and
The Princess Diaries. Before all this, was a writer for The Dick Van Dye show,
The Lucy Show, and the Odd Couple to name a few. Even acted in a show or two.
Florence Henderson: Mrs Brady. No matter what else in life
she did, she will always be Carol Brady.
Alan Thicke: The classic TV dad in Growing Pains. Alan could
laugh at life and make fun of himself. That was part of his charm.
George Michael: He may have had life challenges, but no one
could deny that this man had talent. A loss at 53.
Carrie Fisher: Princess Leia. A great disturbance was felt
in the force today. Carrie was a part of pop culture that was bigger than she
was. She will forever live in the hearts of millions.
This is a mere dent in the year’s losses. Death knew no
preference. It came to all walks of life. I had my own personal tragedies, as
did many of the friends I have in my life. Our losses are not minimized because
the people/pets who passed in our lives were not famous. To us, they were
everything.
However, instead of focusing on all the tragedies and all
the losses, let’s take a minute to think about a few great things that happened
in 2016.
The Chicago Cubs won the World Series…No, I’m not kidding.
It really happened.
Being a Gilmore Girls Geek – the series revival happened on
Netflix.
The World Health Organization has announced that measles
have been eradicated in all the Americas.
World Hunger has reached the lowest point in 25 years.
Wild wolves are coming back in Europe, and for the first
time since the American Revolution, wild salmon began spawning in the
Connecticut River.
Humpback whales and giant pandas are no longer on the
endangered species list.
Pokemon Go – Bringing the world of gaming to life.
I can keep going, but I’ll let you figure out what the good
is in 2016. Find your smile. Take a huge bite out of life while you can, and
let the juices drip all over your face. You can dwell on what sucks in life, or
you can pick yourself up and remember what makes you who you are. Maybe you’ll
be surprised that someone thinks you’re incredible or maybe you won’t. Love
yourself first. Then, God willing, let others love you back. Let’s have a
fantastic 2017.
Until we meet again,
Angie
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