Okay, so I'm standing in the store checkout line with my wife, Mary.  Upon turning my head, my eyes locked onto the music display – Whitney Houston's debut album from 1985 on CD, five bucks.  Not sure I can articulate what I felt, but I felt something.  That woman was a remarkable talent.  Despite her tragic end, she give us something wonderful: classy, elegant, and beautiful.

Certain musical artists and songs remind us of moments, where we were and who we were with. In 1985, I was visiting my cousin's home when his wife opened Whitney's debut album and played the record. A record is a 12 inch vinyl disc; songs on both sides. She swooned over every song.

Back in the day, I produced talent shows.  You've heard the warning: don't try this at home.  Singer after singer auditioned, foolishly attempting to pull off one of Whitney's hits.  I have endured more than my share of bad performances of "I Will Always Love You" and "The Greatest Love of All."

Much has been written about the life and times of Whitney Houston.  Everything has pretty much been said.  All I know is that when I saw her debut album cover in that display, to my surprise, I felt something.

I guess I just want to thank God for giving Whitney to us and express my gratitude for what she gave us, still available on recordings and video. 

Tomorrow, I am going back to that store to purchase Whitney's debut album.