The death last weekend of Whitney Houston was indeed tragic.  Here was a woman who apparently had it all; looks, voice, wealth, fame.  What she didn’t have, it appears, are people around her who cared about her enough to break through the trappings of stardom in order to save her.  Because, like so many others before her, Whitney Houston was a drug addict. 

Her talents were happily acknowledged at the Grammy Awards the night following her untimely death. There were lots of tributes and “we love you” Whitney’s proclaimed that night.  I’m not even sure what they meant.  Did they mean, I love your music?  Or I love YOU?  Because if it was the latter, in a room full of people who claimed to love her, where were these people 5 years ago, 10 years ago, when her drug addiction problems began?

Where was the love from those closest to her…who likely helped facilitate her every desire, including her wish for more drugs? 

I always marvel at people who have everything, because somehow it’s not enough for them.  Why is it not enough?  Why are they unable to recognize how good they truly have it?  How do they end up surrounding themselves with people who are simply yes men, unable to tell them the truth and get them the help that they need?

Whitney Houston could certainly afford all the help in the world to overcome her addiction, and yet she was ultimately unable to beat it, either by rejecting it or thinking that she could do it on her own.  Ego, strengthened by addiction is a very dangerous force.

Dying alone in a hotel room stoned is no way to end what should have been a beautiful life, full of joy and passion. My only hope for Whitney is that she knew more of those good moments than bad.