Dear Earth,

Please accept my apology for this year. With everything going on in the world, the last thing you humans wanted to read about was the tragic passing of another beloved child of mine. Unlike popular belief, I do not call you when it is time. Rather, my master calls you, and the message is forwarded to me. I am simply the messenger. And sadly, I was the messenger a few too many times this year.

David Bowie – A musical influence for generations. Lightning in a bottle.

Alan Rickman – Professor Snape will forever be my favorite Harry Potter character.

Harper Lee – A master of words famous for telling us how to kill a mockingbird.

Merle Haggard – Deep cuts that brought Strangers into our homes.

Prince – The day Purple Rain fell around the world.

Muhammad Ali – Floating like a butterfly now, this one stung me like a bee.

Gordie Howe – One heck of a slap shot, a legend on the ice.

Anton Yelchin – Gone too soon, a bright star in a trek across the universe.

Pat Summitt – At the peak of her sport, she won until the day I arrived.

Kenny Baker - *sad beep* The droid we were all looking for.

Gene Wilder – The amazing chocolatier went to the giant chocolate factory in the sky in a blazing saddle of glory.

Jose Fernandez – The phenomenal baseball star with a rocket for an arm, gone too soon.

Arnold Palmer – My favorite drink, my favorite golfer.

John Glenn – An American hero, flew circles around us all for the first time.

Craig Sager – The man whose suits spoke for themselves on basketball’s sidelines.

This was a difficult year for me, as well. I’m not as cold-hearted as I may seem. No one wishes for me, but when I come around, the world seems to become closer to each other. Maybe you don’t fear me after all, but all the same, maybe next year will be a slower year.

Sincerely,

D