My personal outlook on the passing of our dear Monty...
When you hear of someone passing away, and you say that it is so hard to think that they are really gone, it's not because we can't imagine them gone; it's because we don't want to. It is hard to accept that a person who has done so much, influenced so many, changed entire lives, is now gone. Even as I write this now a small part of me keeps on hoping that I just dozed off and am having a bad dream, but I know that isn't the case. It's hard to accept that Monty Oum was alive just a couple days ago, and that he is now forever gone.
Monty was someone who words could not describe easily. To simply say that he was hardworking, skilled, and had good ideas would be underestimating him to the point of insult. He was always sure of himself, but never stopped working to be better even if it meant working himself half to death. He had a will I don't think I have ever seen replicated or vaguely emulated to do what he loved. Even saying that though seems borderline disgusting for me to say. It's like saying that Anne Frank was just a girl, or that Michael Jackson was just a singer and dancer.
My heart goes out to his friends and family, who must feel an eclipsing sadness so great that it must make it seem like the moon really has shattered, that the light of life continuing on with any form of normality that shone from it is gone.
The closest I ever was to Monty was being a fan of RWBY and him in general, never having met or communicated in anyway with him, and so to say I understand what they are going through would be the most horrible and vile thing I could ever do to them.
Even through that displacement however, it makes me to tear up.
Monty always had the same message, to do what you love, to do it because the alternative was unimaginable, and to do it no matter what anyone said or did.
The final thing I want to say in my regard, if Monty could or can somehow hear it, is that I am sorry. I am sorry that despite spreading the same message over and over while you were alive it took your death to truly make me realize what you meant. I am sorry for my criticisms, for making the same mistake that has plagued human history of being against that we don't understand completely. I'm sorry for not appreciating more what you have done and accomplished.
Take what is the appropriate amount of time for you, let any feelings of sadness dissipate and disappear, and continue on with a resolve as great as you can muster. Monty would not want us to sit here crying our eyes out.
I hope that if anything, his death isn't in vain, and people will try to emulate him; not as a copycat of his fashion or anything as superficial, but to be as motivated, as passionate, and with an unbreakable will to accomplish our dreams.
Today I randomly decided to start wearing a wool scarf, one meant to wrap around your neck for winter. It makes me feel better to have it around my neck, to be more confident, more sure of myself, and just happier. Whenever I am writing, fanfiction or original content, I will be sure to wear this scarf, my formam somnia. I will wear it, and remember my dreams and motivation to be an accomplished writer someday, and Monty's message to never give up, and the inspiration he has been to me.
Thank you Monty, for all that you have done. Your name, meaning the amount that was possible, was well beyond deserved. Rest in Peace. Amen.
