Whitney Houston Died Today and So Did Part of my Childhood

Whitney Houston died today. I’m still is disbelief as I type.

I’m not often affected by the deaths of celebrities and entertainers, because even though we invite them into so many aspects of our lives with their work, we don’t really know them as people. But ever so often, someone passes away, and for a moment – everything stops. Time simply freezes and you know that you’ll always remember where you were when you heard the news.

I can recall similar moments like these in my young life – when Princess Diana, Aaliyah, and Micheal Jackson died.

The tragedy of their deaths made it so much more difficult to process. You begin to realize as the montages start to fill up the television and computer screens that in some way, this person’s music or craft really meant something to you.

And now, Whitney joins that list.

Along with her incomparable voice, Whitney took with her a part of my childhood.

I remember singing along to many of her songs as a little girl.

Just the other day I was humming the bridge to “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” That’s still my favorite part of the song. You couldn’t tell me I wasn’t the bomb when I learned it!

Looks like it’s fatal
It’s all on the table and baby you hold the cards
You got the magic and I gotta have it, I don’t want the pieces
I want every single part
I’ll be your angel, I’m ready and able 
Whatever you want is fine
Whenever you’re ready, just call on your lady
I’ll be your baby tonight

So many memories.

Despite her personal struggles (which none of us are without), she will be remembered for her talent and beauty.

My prayers are with her daughter, family, and friends.

Rest in Him, Whitney.