It has become a running joke in our family that when the news app sounds on the phone I always ask “Who has died now?”
The question is, has 2016 taken more celebrities than normal, or is it just my age and the rise of social media that immediate reporting that has made it seem so much worse.
I read a really interesting news article from the BBC Obituaries Editor on whether more famous people have died in 2016 which stated that whilst there was a jump in the first 4 months of the year, the figures have remained average for the rest of the year.
The truth is we are now half a century on from the flourishing of both TV and pop culture which happened in the 1960s. This, in itself, massively expanded the overall pool of public figures and therefore it stands to reason that we are going to start losing them as they age.
Hubby and I were both born in the 70’s and large junks of our childhood have been wiped out this year and most of the celebrities that we have lost have died far too young, which is probably why it is all the more shocking and makes us look at our own mortality.
However, that is life. I am sure we all know family and friends that have been taken far too soon. I lost my sister to a heart attack at the age of 37 and I never met my uncle who died aged just 19.
So, whilst I am very sad that some of my childhood heroes are no longer here, I am thankful that their films, music and talent will live on forever and we can celebrate their lives by listening and watching again and again!
And remember:
“Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is.” -Yoda.
