I got a notification on my phone during lunch this afternoon

from a local TV news station, and as soon as I read 'Leonard Nimoy' my heart dropped in my chest. I realised he had died, had read he'd gone to the hospital recently, and I was so saddened by the news. But at least he did die at home, and he is hopefully at rest now. I watched my grandfather struggle for years with COPD, and my mother has it, too. It's a horrible illness, sucking your breath away bit by bit, like some sort of daemon. Mr Nimoy had smoked years and years ago, had quit 30 years prior to announcing his illness, and used that announcement as a teachable moment to urge others to not smoke. He had a great deal of warmth and dignity, and I will miss him. I loved him as Spock, of course, but I also was a great fan of the show 'In Search Of...', which explored mysterious topics such as the Bermuda Triangle or Bigfoot, with him narrating in his wonderful voice.

Leonard Nimoy, Spock of ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 83

Alav HaSholom to him, and my condolences to his family and loved ones.

Sorry to hear this

Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek’s ‘Spock,’ reveals he has lung disease: The beloved 82-year-old actor has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, Nimoy said recently on Twitter. He has the disease despite quitting smoking some 30 years ago.

He is using his Twitter account to urge those smokers who can to quit, which I find admirable. I've always liked Leonard Nimoy, and I'm sorry he has such a serious disease. My grandfather had COPD. It robbed him of his vitality and left him hooked to oxygen for most of his day at home. My mom has it, now, too. I have asthma, like them, and I suspect that I have a genetic predisposition for it, but I've never smoked, so I hope that I can avoid it as I age. It's not a fun way to go, feeling like you can't breathe. Maybe this will get to some of those young people who haven't damaged their lungs too badly yet. But to Mr Nimoy, I say in return, 'Live Long and Prosper' as well.