Loss is a horrible thing. It's a horrible feeling. And it affects us all in different ways.
If you don't know, Carrie Fisher (the extraordinary woman also known as Princess Leia) passed away.
I got the news from my good friend, through a text message, and my heart burst. At first, there was shock. I couldn't comprehend it. I thought it was a joke. And then it set in. Carrie is gone. She's really gone.
And that was too much for me to handle, so I ran to my room and collapsed on my bed and started sobbing. I was crying so hard I couldn't think, I couldn't move, and for a while I couldn't breathe.
There really are no words that accurately sum up the mass of emotions I'm feeling right now, and I'm sure it's the same for all of you. Carrie wasn't only Princess Leia; she was beautiful, talented, kind, friendly, and funny. She, along with the rest of the Star Wars actors, impacted my life in a way that's hard for me to explain.
But I think Leia impacted me the most.
Princess Leia was bold and fierce. She did everything she possibly could for her family, and she was put through everything the Galaxy could possibly throw at her. And she braved it all. I like to think she's influenced me to be a little like her.
But right now it's hard to be brave. It's hard to feel anything but sadness and maybe even a dash of denial.
For me, this is a nightmare that I can't wake up from. The truth is what it is, and no one can change it, though I wish I could.
Carrie's legacy will forever have a special place in my heart. She has changed me for the better and I'll never forget that. Princess Leia will always share that special place in my heart.
I encourage you all to be strong in this time of sadness, if you're feeling as depressed as I am. Princess Leia would want us to be strong.
The loss of Carrie is going to affect me for a long time, I know. I'm going to think about it and probably start crying every time. But the sadness will never overcome the joy that Carrie has brought into my life by being Princess Leia and encouraging me with her inspiring personality.
I will never, EVER, forget Carrie Fisher and everything she's done for me. And I hope you all can say the same.
And I also encourage you to be praying for Carrie's family, as well as her Star Wars friends, because her loss will be taking a toll on them as well.
Rest in peace, Princess Leia. May the Force be with you, always.
