Farewell Spock. You will be missed. LLAP.

     When I was 5, I used to stay up late on Saturdays to watch TV shows my Mom and Dad didn't like.  I got away with watching Benny Hill, Saturday Night Live, and horror movies that would make my brother run for my parent's bedroom. But there was one show I had to watch before I went to bed.  My night was not complete until I saw Star Trek.  I was a 5 year old kid in the barrio of San Antonio who stayed up til 2 am to watch Star Trek.  And I loved it.  It was the best show I ever saw.  It opened my young mind to science.  It stimulated my mind to the idea that learning is fun.  I was in euphoria for an hour every Saturday night.  One character had my attention for that one hour.  A Vulcan named Spock played on screen by Leonard Nimoy.   He was calm under pressure, tough as nails, super intelligent,  and was the brains of the outfit.   He brought balance.  He made Star Trek cool.  He was my hero.  I had several Star Trek shirts.  I represented Star Fleet with pride at school.  My classmates thought it was cool.  It brought me out of my shell.   35 years later, I'm more of a Star Wars guy, but never forgot my Star  Trek roots.

     Today is a sad day.  My childhood hero Leonard "Spock" Nimoy passed away from COPD.  It bummed me out.  Memories came rushing into my head.  We lost an Icon.   A great human being.  I am grateful to him just like the other Trekkers around the world.  Taking us fans where no man had boldly gone before.  The iconic images will live on.  Thank  you for my love of science, sense of belonging in the world, and the chance to be me & love it.  Thank you for your humility.  Thank you for bringing Spock to our tvs,  and making us happy one hour at a time.  Live long and prosper.  Rest in Peace.  You will never be forgotten.