Yesterday morning the students, teachers, and faculty at Malcolm X Academy, an elementary school in the Bayview district of San Francisco, held a moment of silence in memory of Whitney Elizabeth Houston. To my astonishment the usual teasing, childish banter, and otherwise fidgety behaviors of the hundred-something students during the "morning circle" were temporarily extinguished as each boy and girl took a full minute (and that's a LONG time for a child) to reflect on mortality. Many of the youngsters no doubt had ever heard of Houston much less seen her face in movies and television. They are however familiar with the shock following the sudden death of a loved one. The moment was intense.
There is a popular saying that reads, give them flowers while they live. Meaning to celebrate the person while they're alive (and can still smell the flowers) people often use this phrase to help cope with the uncertainty of The End. I can not help but think of this adage when I see the outpouring of emotion following Whitney Houston's passing. Her home-going celebration was one fit for nothing more than one of God's angels.
I sincerely hope the Stevie Wonders, Alicia Keys', and close friends and family in attendance took the time to tell Whitney that they loved her while her ears could hear. So as sad as her death is there is a lesson to be learned for all. Kiss your children. Do something nice for your parents. Call an old friend. Volunteer your time for others. Life is far too precious to give flowers once they're gone.
No comments:
Post a Comment