In the Mount Rushmore of my childhood, there's no one who looms larger than Sir Patrick Stewart's Captain Picard. I started watching TNG at 8 years old with season 1. To say the ideals of Star Trek seeped into my brain is an understatement. Anchored by Stewart's commanding, thoughtful performance, the morality of Trek—a belief in the future, and a belief in humanity's ability to be better—became part of the fabric of who I am. That we should lose him at a time when that dream seems so far away, when apathy is celebrated, and the idea of humanity overcoming their worst impulses feels almost quaint... well, it's rough. But holding onto those ideals when things are going great is easy. The true test is holding onto that light when things are dark.

It reminds me of when Stewart read Shakespeare's Sonnets during the pandemic. He helped me get into Shakespeare as a kid, to fully appreciate it, and to fall in love with it. What a comfort and inspiration that has been over the years. And what an example of the way Stewart was so much more than "just" Captain Picard. One thing that meant the most to me was his support of queer people. It was never a question, and it was uncomplicated. Stewart, for so many of us, WAS that light in the dark.

So, yeah, I'm sad. But also, what an amazing example of a human being. What a life. It feels like the best way to honor him is to spread some kindness and care. To bring a little light in the dark.

"Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. But I rather believe than time is a companion who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment because they'll never come again. What we leave behind is not as important how we lived."
Star Trek: Generations

"Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;"
Cymbeline, Act 4, Scene 2