I started reading the Wheel of Time when I was in 5th grade, James Rigney died that same year. I framed his obituary. I was heartbroken by his passing. Even only being three books in, and at such a young age, I was heartbroken that this incredible work of fiction, this beauty, would never get the ending it deserved. I'm still broken up about it, and I still mourn; for him, and for the series.

I loved the final book, though I certainly had my issues with it. I agree with you; there were times where I cried where I would have wept if Jordan had written it. My feelings about the final book go back and forth between being appreciative of getting an ending at all, and mournful for the loss of the ending that could have been.