For me, it's because I was personally touched by his work; this man, though personally a stranger to me, helped influence and shape my life. I was inspired by his work, and the artistic gifts he chose to share with the public.
As some who has, on a MUCH MUCH smaller level, shared something of themselves, something personal that I created, with the public, I can relate to the kind of struggle, internally, that occurs when you share something so intimate - a piece of yourself, really, is out there.
For me, I mourn the loss of any future work from the man. I also mourn for his family - he was someone's dad, someone's friend, someone's beloved. I mourn for the man who faced his own personal demons during every waking moment, and I'm sad that he came to the end that he did. I suppose, also, I think in my heart too, I would hope others in my life would feel the same compassion for me, my family and loved ones if the situation were reversed.
This is why I grieve. Everyone's different, Chuck - and it's okay to not feel devastated. Some of us just have a more personal connection to things, but it makes none of us better or worse than each other. In the end, we're all in this thing together - and if I remember to take something from this incident, it's just that simple old reminder to be thankful and love the friends and family I have.
Bt
