My heart is heavy this morning. I have no idea how I completely missed the news. I mean, it’s half a month old at this point. How did no one tell me??

I can’t believe I never wrote her a letter to tell her how much I admired her. This woman is one of my heroes. Her writing has inspired me and comforted me since childhood. The world will be much less rich without her. I’ve read A Wrinkle in Time or A Wind in the Door at least once a year for longer than I can remember, anytime I start feeling a little sad or lonely. Meg Murray, the ugly duckling, was definitely a character I could identify with. And Calvin… ah, Calvin. I had such a crush on him. He was so perfect for Meg, even if he was a little two-dimensional.

Thank you, Madeline, for everything you brought to the world, and to my life.

Edit: I suppose this is an appropriate time to bid a respectful farewell to Robert Jordan, as well, who died this month after a long struggle with a rare blood disease. Alas, we will never know how the Eye of the World ends. I can’t say that I’m personally disappointed, but I do feel for his loyal fans, and salute him for his contributions in the realm of big-ass-fantasy-epics-that-go on-for-way-too-long. I have to respect him simply for being so prolific.