R.I.P. It's only February...
Seems like weekly, I'm watching major figures in my life, my childhood, and my memories pass on. There were many family members who passed last year, and now it's only half way into February and I'm already overwhelmed with the series of passings. And while you don't 'know' the famous people who have passed, it often brings to the surface your memories associated with hearing their old songs, seeing their old shows and movies. These people have become part of our lives through their art. It all just makes me reflect on my own life and mortality a bit. It just gets to be......a lot.
So I just thought I'd do one major rest in peace post. Just to say goodbye.
R.I.P. cousin Geneva. Your passing actually had me in church that week. While we all know you are finally free of pain and sickness, it still hurts like crazy. It still doesn't even fully seem real to me. You were always looking out for people, now it should be a bit easier to do. And you know we'll do our best to continue to be there for your family. Reunions and holidays just won't be the same without you.
R.I.P. JR. I can honestly say there's not much I remember about high school. It's all like this distant place for me. I can't remember how well or not well I knew you, but none the less when I heard of your passing (the day after I returned from my cousin's funeral), it was like a punch in my stomach. I don't know why and I don't think I'll ever ask. I just know that you were loved and your family and friends miss you like crazy. I feel for them terribly.
R.I.P. Don Cornelius. I don't know what makes someone decide to take their own life, especially a man that age. You can't underestimate the impact Soul Train had on our society as a whole and our culture as Black people. Your voice will forever mean the end of the lazy part of my childhood Saturdays (watching cartoons - Soul Train was the last thing on before random movie/tv programming), and the start of chores and the rest of my weekend activities.
R.I.P. Etta James. Her voice gave me goosebumps. And weddings will forever play her rendition (and all of the other interpretations, instrumentals, covers, bad covers..) of At Last. No matter who covered it, I always loved hers the best.
R.I.P. Whitney Houston. This was another major pop icon, and huge part of the soundtrack of my youth. It's always sad to me when someone with such an amazing voice, or talent, or gift as they're called passes way too soon. While we know of her rocky relationships, drug use, and all out craziness that seemed to follow her later in life, I choose to remember my Whitney. With a voice so big she made the National Anthem a #1 single. People have been trying to do it like that ever since (and have failed miserably).
R.I.P. to all those who have passed on so early this year. The year is young and there are so many months left to come. Take the time and let all those you love know they are loved. I wish for strength and peace of mind for everyone dealing with losses.
1 comments:
Life is a truly precious gift, isn't it, and we realize this to the fullest once someone passes away.
RIP to all the fallen souljas.
Whitney Houston owned a beautiful singing voice in her prime. Beautiful woman.
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