As many of you know, a great legend, Prince, has died recently. His death has gotten me thinking and wondering why people are the way they are. He is not the first of many wonderful musical legends to die — the king, Michael Jackson, left us too soon along with the queen, Whitney Houston, and now him. But think about this, my friends, when was the last time any of you thought about Prince, or listened to his music before he passed just a few days ago? Hmm…
I myself will admit that I have not listened to his music in a long time. In my defense, he is not of my time, and if my parents aren’t playing his music, I’m not listening to him.
However, I will not pretend that I always loved his music and just worshipped him like many people did when he passed. This is a common thing, not just for the famous. People wait until someone has died to tell their soul how much they meant to them, how much they will miss them, and how much they loved him. God forbid this happens anytime soon, but if my sweet mother died and I hadn’t told her I loved her before — I can’t even fathom it. Granted, these celebrities were not that close to us, or close to us at all, but they were forgotten.
Forgive me, but this is the honest truth. When was the last time we played Prince’s music on the radio, or at a party, or anywhere? Or Michael Jackson’s before he died, or Whitney Houston? When was the last time the MTV music video channel played their videos? I don’t know either.
A common side effect of death is remembrance, I know that, but can you really remember someone you didn't appreciate? If a friend of mine or family member were to die, I would remember their character and their personality, so I agree that it is hard to properly remember a famous person we didn't know. My only problem here is that the media and those who follow it are practicing a false sense of love and admiration.
My dear friends, do not make the same mistake as the general population. Do not wait until someone is gone to remember them. Do not wait until they can’t physically hear you to say anything to them. Appreciate them while they are alive, tell them you love them and that if, God forbid, anything happens to them, you will miss them. Listen to their music, watch their movies, and if you don't, do not go running around, telling God and all the stars how good you were to them — do not lie about your intentions. Then, and only then, can they really rest in peace.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.” –Prince (June 7, 1958- April 21, 2016)
