Mourning?

We all know that Prince passed away last week.  Minnesotans seemed to have taken it quite hard.  And why not?  He was from Minnesota, it was a sense of pride that he came from this state.  But it wasn't just the people of this state, but the world mourned.  And is still mourning.  He was a gifted musician and performer.  I did not feel the agony of his passing like the rest of the world seemed to.  I was not a fan of his.  That's not to say I did not like his music or appreciate the influence he had on the musical world.  I say I'm not a fan of his because I didn't listen to his music.  You can appreciate someone's influence without owning or listening to their music.  For me David Bowie's passing was felt more because I listened to him. I suppose that when artists that have made music that I deeply love pass away I will feel that sting for a little bit longer. 

I don't know how to segue into my next thoughts, so I guess I'll just put it out there:  I don't feel much of anything when celebrities pass away.  It sounds cold hearted, but because I do not have a personal relationship with them, I don't feel like going into mourning for long periods of time.  Sure, I'm sad when someone passes away, I'm not that much of a monster, but I don't feel super sad about it.  Does this make me a bad person?  Probably.  I feel bad for the family and friends.  The people that knew them on a personal level. And I understand that if a celebrity or public figure passes away that has had a significant impression on you it can be difficult.  But they have also left their life's work behind.  You will still be able to channel them when you are feeling down or feel like an outcast.  

You will still be able to listen to your favorite song or record.  You'll be able to read the book or poem that your favorite author wrote.  Have a mourning period to be beside yourself with grief. But also have a period of time when you revel in the fact that their work has made a positive impression on you.  Enjoy that song that makes you dance by yourself. Read that chapter in the book that makes you cry. Stare at the beautiful picture someone painted in silence while you contemplate life. 

Musicians, writers, and artists take their emotions and throw them into their work so that we can benefit from it.  The best thing that we as fans can do is to appreciate their work for what it does for us.  How their work makes us feel.  So, while I will be sad for a little while after my favorite author or musician passes away, I will also be very thankful that they left their work for us to enjoy. Forever.