It's hard not to think about the power and price of fame with the loss in recent days of a few American entertainment greats.
First, it was Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's steady supporter, his long-time right hand man. Then Farrah Fawcett, a woman more intelligent and deeper than her first roles might have shown. And Michael Jackson, an entertainment game changer, and for a while, an industry of his own.
Each benefited mightily from the bright lights they sought and attracted. Money. Power. Many choices.
Or so it seems, looking from the outside in.
Each probably – also – paid a higher price than we would ever guess. Who knows?
Perhaps at some point the lights became blinding, the role they were effectively assigned by their great fame became stifling, confining.
Whatever their experience, as we note the end of their bright light lives, it gives us a moment to take a good look, privately, at our own.
Here's a bit of advice others offer, along those lines:
Have old memories and young hopes.
A. Houssaye
There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.
O. S. Marsden
We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.
Eric Hoffer
People become lonely when they build walls instead of bridges.
Unknown
What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you.
Seneca
