In My Demise...

This topic is a bit morbid. But, it's something that I need to discuss. Death is a guaranteed part of life. More of us can avoid it. We are born with the notion that death will come. I don't spend much time thinking about my demise. But, I had a thought. I hate funerals. Hate them. I've attended way too many funerals in my lifetime. Between 1997-2000, I lost 4 very important people in my life. Those funerals drained me. I try to avoid them at all costs. I've decided that I do not want a funeral. I don't want to be put in a casket and put on display. I don't want people standing over me, looking at me. That is not the image I want to leave with my loved ones. I don't want my body put into the ground.

I would prefer to be cremated. I do not want to be put into an urn and sat on a mantle for all eternity. My ashes can be spread out on the ocean. I want a celebration of my life. A party with all the people who loved me. I want colorful tulips all over the place since they are my favorites. Celebrate me. Let them tell funny stories about me. I want them to laugh, eat and drink in my memory. And, there must be music. Lots of music. A true celebration of my life. That's the way I want to leave this Earth. No tears are allowed. I think this scenario will be best. A space filled with my memory and my larger than life personality is what happiness feels like to me. Funerals are always so hard on people. I don't want to put that on my family. Celebrating the woman that I was and what I've done is the best home-going ceremony in my mind. What do you guys think? Let's discuss.

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.