It really feels that a close friend has died. This is not unusual (for me) to mourn like this. And the timing... I made vows as a Benedictine Monk in 1979. Last November 1st, I celebrated my 28th anniversary. My Birthday is February 28. I was born in 1954 and will be 54 in February. Heath Ledger was born in 1979 and died at 28 in 2008. I find it astounding (but not unusual) that a person was born, grew up, changed my life, and is now dead with the years matching my monastic life. I'm glad I had my near-death experience because I know he is in a far better place and realizes exactly what "Brokeback Mountain" has done and will continue to do as long as Motion Pictures exist. He is 'closer' to us now than he was when he was alive. And then there is the really weird (but not unusual) feeling that Jack and Ennis have reunited and their unending love will rock some parallel Universe.
He died on January 22nd, the eve of my second anniversary of viewing the film in a theater. That night, I started the film at 11:30PM so I could be watching it when my anniversary rolled around. I've never enjoyed it more.
SO, I send up 'a prayer of thanks' and close with a screen-cap of Ennis doing the same thing. I recognize the ecstasy.. I've been there...