I think I missed the late news only three times in the last thirty years. So I got the tragic news that John Lennon had been murdered and Princess Diana had been killed after having the last peaceful night of sleep for a while in both cases. Yesterday morning when I flipped on Good Morning America, I sat in stunned silence as the newscasters let the millions of people who slept in a little late know that Whitney Houston was dead at 48. Shocked and not surprised. Saddened and pissed off.
I know I am not alone in my reaction to the untimely death of a woman whose voice and stunning face had no competition. Her voice embraced all of us and dare I say it had tremendous soul, but it had no color. Her music belonged to all of us. Even music purists and snobs would have to acknowledge that her voice was so utterly pure and she sang better than most vocalists who came before and after her.
I heard, “I Will Always Love You” last week and it is one of those songs that you stop what you are doing and just listen. Listen to that voice and get a lump in your throat and thoughts. Who would always love us like that? I don’t care if you are a heavy metal banger, a classical devotee or alternative rock follower; you had to give Whitney her props.
Too bad the demons got a hold of Whitney and did not let go. I am not going to do the blame game here although I think her ex, Bobby Brown should get his ass kicked and never know another day of joy. I wanted her to win the drug attack on her body, mind, soul and voice. But we can’t know the strength of the demons unless they are in us. And we all have them. It is the degree that we fight them that makes all the difference – between life and death.
We creative souls, I believe, have to keep reminding ourselves that creativity sometimes comes with a cost. I have battled my demons and right now they are cut and bruised and keeping far away from me. As they should be doing.
So if you ever feel like your demons are taking over, don’t wait till you can’t come back home. Get help. Let Whitney be a constant reminder that your creativity needs to be nurtured almost as much as you need to be nurtured and loved.
Don’t take your drugs to your grave because, trust me, the bad boys will just move on to their next victim.
RIP. And may your daughter and mother find peace.
To submit a question for elizabeth’s column, please e-mail elizabeth at [email protected]. Every letter is important and reviewed carefully. However, because elizabeth receives a very large number of letters, she cannot answer every one. Thank you for understanding.
To schedule a complimentary coaching session with elizabeth, contact elizabeth through her site at www.coachingforthecreativesoul.com.
To read her blogs about life and the world at large, please go to: www.Myviewfromtheedge.com.
Yes we have lost a wonderful talent, but more than that a woman who was a mom and daughter with much of life ahead. My heart goes out to Whitney’s family. Since as far back as I can remember, I always thought there was something wrong with me, that if I died the world would be better off – and that was the demon. I utilized drugs and alcohol as a solution until they turn their back on me. The battle is not in the drugs or the alcohol, it is in our mind. Whether celebrity, mother or inmate we don’t battle flesh and blood, but principles and spirits. As a recovering drug addict/alcoholic and a member of 12-Step I have come to realize that using any mind altering substance is an escape from measuring what you see on the outside to who I am on the inside. I feel that is what most celebs struggle with – no one really knows them for who they really are. This is a high price to pay for the much sought after culture of fame in our society.
But to blame Bobby Brown for Whitney’s drug addiction is just wrong. NO ONE can make you use and NO ONE can make you stop. Bobby was a sick as Whitney, both looking for something to fill that deep, dark void inside.
To me, the saddest part of this is the fact that “they found her” which indicates that she died alone. That is what drugs/alcohol do, they isolate you, and keeping you believing that they are the only refuge you have.
Recovery is a way of life, not something you do. Whitney could never really admit the depth of her addiction and we are only as sick as our secrets. I pray she is at peace.
Hi Lisa- Thak you for your comment. And I am glad that you fought your demons.
I knew pointing out that Bobby had something to do with Whitney’s donwfall might upset people, but I believe he did. I agree that no one can make us do something, but some people can find the crack in a person’s soul and fill it with drink and drugs. Just like drugs can bring a person down, I believe people can do the same thing. I have seen it happen to dear friends of mine. I am sorry that life got to be too much for Whitney and I hope she has now found some peace.
I think the world wanted more from Whitney than she was able to give. Reminds me of Michael Jackson and Elvis, all of whom left children behind. In every case, people attempted to intervene, but wealth and fame permit these people to undermine their own recovery. It’s very sad and yes, I believe it was inevitable. Loved the video from the night before where she was singing gospel songs. Here was a woman deeply rooted in faith. She’s proof that in many cases, that’s not enough either.
Carol- it is so sad for all the loved ones who are left behind. I hope her daughter can get thru this w/o her father who I think is a dirt bag.
I certainly don’t compare my creativity to Whitney’s genius, and my demons tend to relate more to lack of funds and excess pounds. But I came relatively late to the idea that I had creativity in me that was worth nurturing. I have often lamented that delay, but think those who are blessed (too) early with creative inspiration, often don’t have the maturity and perspective to deal with the side affects. My creativity is just kicking into high gear at the same time of life that Whitney’s ended. All I can do is be grateful for the inspiration and the time. I echo your sentiments about peace to her family.
Susan – I hear you about us coming into our creativity later – there was time for us to mature (a little) and now really appreciate our talents. BTW – we are just as talented as Whitney- just in different areas.
Such a waste. It’s hard to imagine how someone who seemed to have so much going for her could succumb to this demise. Just goes to show the power of alcohol, drugs and addiction. There’s no way in the world she wanted to be addicted, but somehow she couldn’t find her way clear. Just goes to show how alluring, cunning and powerful these drugs can be. We see this over and over. Lisa Kratz Thomas, a member of HWT, struggled with addiction which got her a felony conviction. She’s been clean for 20 years, and now she actively promotes recovery and wellness. She hosts a live show every Monday at 1pm EST on HWT radio called “This is Your Life: Courage to Change”. http://community.herewomentalk.com/group/thisisyourlife If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can turn to Lisa for resources and help http://community.herewomentalk.com/profile/LisaKratzThomas
Hey Kay- thanks for the links. We can help each other to stay healthy.