The music world has truly lost a legend. Whitney Houston was an icon, a visionary, an inspiration. Her soulful sounds set the bar in musical history, left to be unmatched. With the voice of an angel, her songs will continue to last through the decades, a true artist. She will be missed. Gone too soon, it is hard to believe that Whitney Houston has died at the young age of 48.

The world  is not ready for the music to stop. Many were waiting for the great Whitney comeback tour that proved she too could overcome her trials and tribulations of the past. Much speculation has been talked about how she died, most people believing that her drug use eventually claimed her life. I would hate to believe that as true. Although it may take weeks or months until we truly know how Whitney really died, we know there is a cloud that has been placed over the music industry. At the Grammy’s tribute was paid to her memory, a marathon of her songs played on the radio, and currently her greatest hits album is at the top of iTunes. The impact of her death will continue to be felt for years to come.

Whitney was not perfect, she was not without faults, she was human. None of us are perfect, we are all guilty of bad decisions, wrong choices, and a plethora of mistakes. Whitney struggled with addiction. An addiction that she may have paid for with her life. In my job I work with many clients who suffer from drug addiction. It is never easy. Relapse is often inevitable. Intentions to quit may seem real, but the follow through is poor. It is a long tough road. I can only imagine what it is like to be a celebrity who is struggling with  drug addiction. Access is easy, the money is not a problem, the people are there, everything points you in the direction to use. Your biggest asset  becomes your own will power to say no, to want better for yourself, to not allow yourself to enter that road. Good luck. The temptation is great.  Whitney’s struggle was public, embarrassing at times to watch, we hoped, we prayed, we wanted to see her do better.

A legend has left this earth. A concert will be had in heaven. To her family I send out prayers and condolences. I pray that her daughter will find peace, to suddenly lose a parent at such a young age is a devastating experience. I remember my high school history teacher once saying;  in ancient history it was believed that some people were given a choice before they were born, they could choose to either live a long drawn out and boring life, or an entertaining life that will be great, but short. Whitney’s life has been cut short, but she surly hit a point where she was the pinnacle of greatness. She was given a life, and she lived it. Whitney Houston, you will be missed.

RIP Whitney  (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012)