roger ebert

(a photo of an old polaroid, east beach, sb)

Roger Ebert passed away today at the age of 70. I remember when 70 seemed like an incredibly old age to me, but now....well, it doesn't seem like nearly enough time. When Roger was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2007, he made one of the most poignant comments I have ever heard about death.

"I know it is coming, and I do not fear it, because I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear.

I hope to be spared as much pain as possible on the approach path. I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state. What I am grateful for is the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter. You can’t say it wasn’t interesting. My lifetime’s memories are what I have brought home from the trip. I will require them for eternity no more than that little souvenir of the Eiffel Tower I brought home from Paris."

Rest in peace.

PS. Roger Ebert's loving relationship with his wife is seriously one of the most beautiful things ever. This picture is breathtaking.

(source)