Legends Never Die

They say Legends never die. It's only been a week, but I keep thinking about Val Kilmer. I see the tributes pouring in like they always do when someone of significance dies.

But why do I feel the deep sadness for a person I never met? Can anyone relate? Maybe it's not just him but what he represented that I'm afraid of losing.

When I glance at a picture of a young Val Kilmer, I'm taken back to a time of grade school innocence - watching shirtless pilots playing volleyball and flying fast jets. I can almost tell you where I was every time I watched one of his films. It was at different times of my adolescence and growing up years that he graced the screen with his incredible unique talent.

I read his autobiography and even as he battled cancer, he seemed invincible and timeless.

I loved reading about his adventures in Hollywood and art and film. Reading his autobiography made me feel as if I was given a secret doorway into his off-screen life. He was magical...as were my childhood icons who have gone before him....Micheal...Robin...George...

Maybe every time one of my heroes dies, it's like they're taking a piece of my childhood with them and I'm just not ready to let that part of me go.

It's almost like I feel silly being sad for a man that I never met...but in a way there's so many of us mourning his passing that probably feel the same way I do tonight.

Tell me I'm not alone.

Val Kilmer, thank you for gracing our childhood with your magic.

As the tributes die down in the social media posts stop, I promise I will never forget you.