I Don't Know You...

The specific instance varies from person to person, but most of us have felt it. When a family member passes, you experience emotions of losing someone you’ve known your whole life—but there is an uncertainty and confusion when grieving over the death of a celebrity or other well-known public figure.

How would you describe your relationship with this individual? Well, most likely, you’ve never met. This person didn’t even know you existed, but you feel like you’ve known him or her for years.

Scenario #1: You saw every movie on the day it was released and read every article about him in all the magazines. And you, along with millions of other teens and young adults around the world, were devastated over the loss of Heath Ledger in January.

Or #2: You spent Sunday mornings together with Tim Russert and NBC’s “Meet the Press” since you were in college. But after losing this legendary journalist on Friday, you feel that your weekend will sport a giant hole. Remember how sad we were when Princess Diana died? Now what?

Roles are recast, TV spots replaced, but when someone in the public eye dies, it can rock the nation. A memory is imprinted in the mind and today’s overwhelming coverage will make it hard to forget. But just as you would grieve for someone you know, remembering better times is key for getting through this crucial time.

What is your opinion on grieving the death of someone you don’t even know? How do you deal?