Somebody loves you

Whitney Houston was a musical icon in her day. She had a powerful voice, and "The Bodyguard" was up for two Grammy's and won several other awards.

She passed away last Saturday at the young age of 48. Speculations have been made her untimely death may have been due to a mixture of prescription medications and alcohol.

I logged onto a social media site Saturday night and was bombarded by "RIP Whitney" and more than one story by a local television station giving details of her body being found and reliving her accomplishments.

My question is, why?

Houston was living her dream and had a beautiful daughter she claimed she was so close to. She was loved by people all over the world, yet her own selfishness took her life.

What does it say to musicians, teenagers and the down-on-their luck when they see someone put up on a pedestal after they took their own life?

It always worries me people will see these musicians iconized for passing away, and they resort to the same ways to get their names recognized.

Whether her death was intentional or accidental, the fact she took the risk of mixing that deadly combination says something about her.

She might have had some issues she was facing; we all do. But taking your own life is never the answer.

It's not just Whitney Houston, either. There was Amy Winehouse who consumed too much alcohol. Kurt Cobain died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. John Bonham, of Led Zepplin, died of an alcohol overdose, and so many more.

Every single person in this world is loved by someone, even if sometimes it doesn't feel like it. Parents have their children. Children have their parents. Then, there are spouses, friends and co-workers.

If life gets so overwhelming, don't resort to destroying your body. It may feel good for the moment, but chances are you are breaking someone's heart.

When it feels like you have nowhere to turn to besides some means of making yourself "feel better," look to the people in your life. They will remind you what is important, and that is what this life is all about.

There are more than seven billion people in this world; you can find someone to confide in when you think you have reached rock bottom.

The problem is universal, and there are organizations willing to help when it feels like you have reached your wits' end.

A personal favorite of mine is To Write Love On Her Arms. They are willing to help anyone suffering from depression or addiction, and also ingrain in your mind that you are not alone in this fight.

They are understanding and helpful because the creators of the organization helped a close friend through drug problems and self-mutilation.

For families and friends: Don't give up on those who are suffering. When it seems there is nothing more you can do to help is when they need you the most.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.