It feels as if millions of voices have suddenly cried out in grief.

I finally saw Rogue One today and planned to write a post praising the movie, but that praise is tempered by my sadness at the death of Carrie Fisher. I got the news while we were having lunch after the movie and it was all I could do not to burst into tears in the restaurant. Carrie Fisher was an icon from my childhood. When I think of princesses, I don’t think of Disney. I think of Princess Leia. There weren’t many strong female role models in the SF and fantasy that I saw in the 70s, but Princess Leia was huge for me. I  loved Leia’s strength and feisty attitude. And Carrie Fisher was much more than Leia. I haven’t read her books, but now they are going on the list. She was brave and honest and funny. She was open with her struggles with mental illness. She will be greatly missed. I hope that wherever she is, she is one with the Force.

As for Rogue One, it was amazing. I definitely liked it as much as Episode VII. Jyn is another amazing, strong female character. I love her flaws and her courage. I love the backstory of this important piece of the rebellion.  Plus it shows us a different and darker side of the Alliance. But we are still rooting for Jyn and the rebels all the way. They never lose hope and never forget what they are fighting for.

Thank you, Carrie, for reminding us that hope is still out there.