RIP Whitney Houston

I know it may seem so five minutes ago, but I'm still reeling over the death of Whitney Houston. Many people have raised a brow to my sincere sadness at her passing, and I too, don't quite understand why it affected me in such a profound manner.

I've been listening to Whitney Houston since I was six years old. I would spend afternoons lying on my back next to my Uncle Fred's boombox, repeatedly listening to her incredible vocals in The Bodyguard soundtrack. "I Will Always Love You," "I Have Nothing" and "Run to You" will forever have a special place in my heart. I love the movie The Preacher's Wife. It is Christian, sentimental and has a happy ending. Man, Whitney, where did it all go wrong?

What haunts me most about her death is that it epitomizes the tragedy and fragility of human existance. Taunt me if you may about how seriously I am taking all of this, but for realz, this has hit me hard! Just humor me for a bit.

Let's review the arc of Whitney Houston's life (the details of which I have gleaned from her 2009 in-depth interview with Oprah Winfrey). She was raised a devout Baptist. She had incredible, unmatched vocal talent. She had a sincere, caring heart and wanted to share her gift with the world. And yet the overwhelming pressures of celebrity and an incongruous marriage led to her drug addiction and, most likely, her death.

I'm saddened because she was just such an incredible artist. Her vocal control, range and authentic expression is absolutely unmatched. And even though it may be absurd that I identify with her and feel like I knew her personally, I don't care! Rest in peace, Whitney! You are a gift from God.