Sir Terry

Today is one of the days I've always feared. And no, I'm not exaggerating. Because sometimes the death of a stranger carries more impact than that of a person you'd known personally. Because that man, that genius, gave me more than 99% of people I've ever met face-to-face.

Everybody should have that one writer, that one musician that is always their companion. Whether the life treats you well or throws shit at you, you should have this one thing that always helps you through - or witnesses your successes. For me it was the Discworld. Every negative emotion: sadness, anger, frustration could be soothed by Vimes or Nanny Ogg. Every joy could be duplicated by Vetinari, Moist or Death. Those characters were closer to me than most of the real people. And through them - the author was dearer, is dearer to me than most of my acquaintances.

When I was a teenager, Sir Terry showed me that my philosophy is not alienated. That there are other, far more greater than my own minds who share it. The only difference is that they can word it much better than me. They have more financial funds to fight for the rights that should be basic for all mankind. Their voice has a wider reach.

We've all known about his illness for a few years now. However, there were always new books. We kinda knew each of them could be the last... But after a while you always went to the bookstore for the next one.

A couple of days ago I finally started reading "The Long Mars". Not having much time, I just enjoyed a few pages a day... And now I look at the novel in my hands and feel new tears appearing in my eyes: there will never be a continuation. Not only for this series, but for the Discworld. Will we ever learn about Sam Vimes Junior's adolescence? About Angua and Carrot's possible offspring? About Vetinari's new plans for Ankh-Morpork? Leonard of Quirm's new prototypes and their names? No. And it's such a final word...

Although I never managed (and I so hate English grammar right now for forcing me to use Past Simple instead of Present Perfect) to meet Sir Terry, I was privileged to live in the time when I could wait every year for a new book. And for this, I am grateful.

I'm lost for words. Tonight I'm going to finish my cider and read, until I have no more tears. Today we lost one of the greatest minds. And tonight I shall mourn him like a member of my family.

Sir Terry looked around with curiosity.
"What now?" he asked.
"WHATEVER YOU'D LIKE, MAESTRO" Death replied.

Because we should remember Sir Terry's own words:

"DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING, said Death. JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH"

"It is said that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. That is true, it's called Life."

I wish everybody was able to give others so much in such a flash, Sir Terry. You will be remembered.