Celebrating Whitney

Two years ago, Whitney Houston's death shocked the world. I distinctly remember being a little girl singing into my hair brush to Whitney Houston songs. I loved her music and her dresses and the fact that she was a brown girl like me. Even as a kid, I knew how special Whitney was. I grew up to her music. I used to live for her videos as well. Whitney was ours. There was something so classy about her to me. It is hard to believe that she is gone, that it has been two years since her shocking death. I wrote this two years ago about her funeral. I remember watching it and still being in disbelief. 

I am so saddened by her passing still. Listening to her music today has been melancholy. Whitney will always represent my carefree childhood. There isn't a song from her first few albums that I do not know. She was always played in my house. My cousins and I were always singing her songs. So, on the day that she passed two years ago, I decided to celebrate her life through her music. There will never be another Whitney. There couldn't be. She was one of a kind. Still love her voice. Rest easy, Ms. Houston.  

Homegoing Fit For A Queen

Whitney Houston was laid to rest today. Her homegoing celebration was televised on no less than six cable channels. From beginning to end, it was just amazing. Family, friends, and celebrities all shared personal stories and songs. It was orchestrated beautifully. The New Home Choir sang so beautifully from beginning to end. Tyler Perry's short speech on Whitney was so poignant and resonating. I felt his words so deeply. Kevin Costner, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and Clive Davis all eulogized Whitney in their own way. Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, R. Kelly, Kim Burrell, and The Winans all sent Whitney home with their beautiful voices.



The funeral was at different times sad, funny, touching and always loving. Whitney was truly honored. Her voice was praised. Her personality and character were exalted. She was truly lifted up in her childhood church. Bobbi Kristina and Cissy seemed to hold it together as well as to be expected. There was a hiccups that I found beyond sad. It had to do with Bobby Brown and his kids not being accommodated and being hassled. And finally being asked to leave before the funeral began. That isn't right. No one should be turned away. I cried a few tears for Whitney. But, I completely lost it as they hoisted her gold casket onto their shoulders as Whitney's "I Will Always Love You" played. As the casket was passing Ray J, he reached out to touch it. He touched it 3 times and lost it. My tears flowed freely. Whitney sang the soundtrack to my childhood. She will truly be missed. I will remember her for that voice and that smile. I'm thankful that she shared her gift with the world. Thankful that her family shared her homegoing with us. It was honestly a funeral fit for a Queen. Rest in peace, Ms. Houston.