Whitney

Dreams are real as long as they last. Can we say more of life?

-Henry Ellis

  We say good-bye to another musical icon, Whitney Houston. Whitney was found dead in her hotel bath tub this weekend. Reasons for her death are still under investigation; however, that has not stopped the rumors from piercing the airways. Whatever the reason for our dear sister's death we should intentionally focus on her contribution to the music industry, and yes, to the impact of her music in our own lives. If we were to be honest we would confess that some of our most amorous evenings were consummated while Whitney crooned in the background. And which of us hasn't told that special one that I am "Saving all my love for you"?  And my sister, when you beat out the competition and were selected for that promotion or when you successfully raised your children singlehandedly and sent them to college, did you not proudly chant "I'm every Woman"? But Whitney did more than merely sing and perform world-wide. She became the mold in which so many of today's female artists were cast from. Whitney proved that one's dreams can come true if you only believe that you have what it takes to bring that dream to fruition. 

  Like Michael Jackson, James Brown, Teddy Pendergrass, Etta James and so many others who preceeded her in death, Whitney's life was not immune to scandal. And like all of us, she had her shortcomings which, at times, seemed to overshadow her successes. Just yesterday the tabloids were ablaze with reports of her drug abuse, drug rehab, her tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, and her violent mood swings. Today the world is singing her praises.  I cannot help but to wonder if these same praises would have been Whitney's saving grace before her astounding death.  (Now I am speculating), I can't help but wonder, did Whitney succoumb to a moment of depression for not having been a focal point of the Grammy affair? Or did she relaspe as some are guessing? And maybe, just maybe Whitney merely died. 

  Soon we will know the truth or perhaps we will never know. All I ask of myself is that I don't forget that she has left behind a heavily traumatized daughter, a grieving mother, a devastated ex-husband, and a myriad of family, friends, and fans who will always love Whitney...regardless.

 Ironically, the last song Whitney sang on stage with singer Kelly Price at the pre-Grammy party was "Jesus Loves Me".

God bless you, Whitney, and may your rest from your wars.

 Dennis