Saying Goodbye to Whitney Houston

We come to grasp the reality of Whitney Houston; her greatness, her battles, her last days blended with our collective grief.  The shocking passing of this 48-year-old musical giant, mother and daughter whose career holds chart-topping albums and singles along with record-breaking sales, left the body on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

Though absent from among us, she leaves melodies and memories of a life lived publicly in adoration and privately in pain.  Yes, there were good times, great times, grandiose times. And as in many lives, there were troubled times, torrid times, much talked about times of known disgrace.  The upside, undeniably and without question, the balance of Whitney Houston’s life cannot and will not be measured by a singular, stand alone pinnacle of achievement.

The composite of her is the tragic beauty of her-- the vocal gift as much as the evidence of extended, perennial drug abuse.  She is and should be loved in totality.  That’s the essence of the human experience on earth— to be appreciated for who we are.

Tons of speculation will swirl about for years to come but the truth of Whitney Houston will be hers forever.  Our prayers extend to her family and loyal supporters.

Musical Highlights --

• “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
  
• Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”
  
• “Saving All My Love for You”
  
• “How Will I Know”
  
• “I’m Every Woman” originally written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson
  
• “I Have Nothing”
  
• “Run to You”
  
• “The Greatest Love of All”