a different sort of blues explosion

i didn't hear until today that john spencer, the actor who has been best known recently for portraying leo mcgarry on the west wing, died of a heart attack this past friday. i guess that's what happens when you run away and refuse to interact with other human beings—you sometimes miss important pieces of information. i've had a long-standing soft spot for mr. spencer, and i'm awfully sad for his friends and family. losing a loved one unexpectedly is probably the worst thing that can happen to a person, regardless of the circumstances, but it's especially hard, i think, when it happens this time of year. one of the most tolling parts of mourning is keeping yourself together around the general public, and when the general public is throwing parties and handing out presents and hanging stars and mistletoe … i don't know. nothing makes it easier, but that sort of disparity makes it extra difficult, and my heart goes out in a massive way to everyone who's missing him.

i hope everyone you love is safe and happy tonight. maybe you should call and let them know that you were wondering.