January 14, 2017
This time last year, I was in a haze, going through my Thursday trying to comprehend what happened that morning. Alan Rickman died, and I was devastated, first confused and unsure how to respond. Was it a hoax? Who would joke about such a thing? But, no, it was true. Alan really did pass away from cancer. From that day forward, I felt - and continue to feel - at complete random times, a sudden sting in my chest, confusion, and an indescribable urge to burst into crying.
There are many people out there who don't understand how average people get so caught up in "celebrity" deaths. First, Alan wasn't a "celebrity" in my terms. A celebrity is well-known for little to no real reason other than family connection and/or money. Celebrities had their lives on display and are open books. Alan wasn't an open book similar to how so many actors are these days. He was private and kept his personal life with his friends and family within those people only, and I completely respect his lifestyle and choices.