Patrick Swayze: 1952-2009

Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer today at the age of 57.

I am so incredibly sad. Like most other little girls in the late 1980's, I had a massive crush on Patrick that began when I saw the movie "Dirty Dancing." It was my favorite movie back in the fourth grade. (My friends and I would have sleepovers and watch it after our parents had gone to bed...they would have disapproved of us watching all the "naughty" scenes.)

A few years later, Patrick lit up the screen again in "Ghost," another classic romantic film. He has always held a special place in my heart, and I admired how valiantly he battled this awful disease, and respected him for speaking out about his illness so publicly.

I had hoped Patrick would be one of those rare cases that defies the odds, but pancreatic cancer usually means business. Patrick hung on longer than anyone ever thought he would. I hope he is at peace now. He will live on in the hearts of his fans forever, where he will always be young and handsome.

Rest in peace, Patrick. You gave us the time of our lives, and we will miss you so!