Lesson Learned by Losing Whitney Houston

On the morning of February 12, 2012, learning that Whitney Houston died the day before, the same realization came to me as it did when I heard about the deaths of Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley. The lives of these cultural icons ended and although it was impossible to imagine just the day before, the world did not stop, the sun came up, and time continued to march on. As such, I wonder what lesson there is to learn from all of this as we humans ask the age-old question “What is life about?” It occurs to me that life is about the legacy.

The legacy, the story we leave behind, is what life is about. Each experience, each decision made at each turning point of life, is pieced together to create a biography to tell. I often think about what story personal decisions will leave behind. If the world did not stop for these international icons, it surely will not stop for me. A person can choose to feel many ways about that fact. I choose to feel liberated by it, to feel free from the shackles of trying to impress the world, instead to look within myself for satisfaction and to create the story that I would like to leave behind whenever my last breath comes to me.

Whitney Houston has taken her last breath. She leaves us with memories of her goose-bump creating, hauntingly angelic voice. She also leaves memories of a troubled soul embroiled in battle with the demons of addiction and toxic relationships. Oh what a story it is! There is a valuable lesson about wishing for a life of a legend, because it is so difficult to create an unforgettable tale. Each choice comes with a price. No one is exempt from the cost of a legendary life. Some may wish for a less epic tale, something more peaceful even if a little boring. However, for having gone through this amazing journey, the reward is great when creating a life story for all time.

On this day of mourning and reflection, an important lesson to consider while going forward is that each moment is a memory. Each day is a building block in the lasting temple of a life, so it is important to use the best materials possible, to hold it together with a lot of love, and in the end one will have a life story of which to be proud, a wonderful tale told for the ages. Though the world will not stop for anyone, if the world becomes a little better because an individual spent her time well here, in the end that is the best kind of life to wish for. The world is definitely a better place because Whitney Houston shared her musical talent with us, and though she will no longer be physically present with us, her undeniable musical talents and her powerful story will live on forever.


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