In 1996 or 1997 a fellow Marine loaned me a book. I had seen it in the book stores a few times but never purchased it. I don't like spending my money on books with little information on the back as to what the book is about. I've been burned too many times doing that. I read that book and was enthralled. It was one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. I anticipated the release of each book in Rober Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. I followed the series as it went on and on. When it seemed to drone and was a little unfocused. I followed when it could have ended but didn't. Unfortunately, the series will remain unfinished for the immediate future. On Sunday, Robert Jordan passed. I'm sad because he was only 58; older than me, but still too soon to be taken. I'm also sad because his epic series may never see completion.

I equate Robert Jordan's passing to when Gene Rodenberry died and Star Trek was never the same again. I'm sure millions of fans of the series feel the same way. A voice we loved to hear has been silenced. The family, especially his wife have my sincerest condolences. I know this must be a very trying time for her. She had to live through Robert suffering through this rare blood disease.