I was shocked to learn today that Robert Jordan passed away last week at age 58. Apparently, he was diagnosed with a terminal disease last year and was given about four years to live. Despite his optimism, he succumbed to complications of the disease.

James Oliver Rigney, Jr. in real life, Jordan left behind an unfinished legacy, his epic The Wheel of Time (WoT) fantasy saga that I got hooked into in the early 90s. He was in the middle of finishing the twelfth and final volume of the series, titled A Memory of Light, when he passed away.

This comes as huge blow to me since no other body of fiction has drawn me deeply into its world as Jordan’s novels have. Like other fans of his books, I have a love-hate relationship with the series but I got excited when the eleventh book came out in 2005. I finally bought the paperback edition early this year and have been reading a few chapters at a time since. It’s funny but I remember hearing from my sister’s friend back when I was starting the series that she was hoping Jordan wouldn’t die before finishing The Wheel of Time.

Fortunately, he had prepared for this eventuality and has entrusted the remains of the story to his wife and cousin. I guess, when you’re given a short time left in your life, you get to see your life clearly and choose what matters most to you. Jordan placed his fans high up on his list and continued writing and preparing contingencies so that his life’s work will be completed. While we may never know how the story goes as it should be according to Jordan, at least there will be closure.

“The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.”

Here’s to you Mr. Jordan! May the wheel of time continue to turn and carry on your legacy.