We are saddened when our heroes leave - either fading into memory or untimely ripped from our admiring attention - because they have challenged our imaginations, entertained us with their skill and charmed us with their transcendent appeal. In essence, they have helped shape an enduring part of us with their performances and touched our lives with the effusive warmth of theirs.
So, in this season of departure, with seniors leaving to begin their lives in earnest, our president preparing to step down and the Simpsons riding off into the sunset, sports fans and others alike can take solace in centuries-old wisdom: "Parting is such sweet sorrow."
Remembering this dulls the inevitable pain of losing those who have left indelible marks on our lives and makes the memories they leave us all the more inspiring and reassuring.