Somebody’s daughter
The other day when Amy Winehouse died it was all over Facebook and one comment on someone’s post I read said something to the effect of, “Good riddance, another piece of trash gone.” I didn’t respond (I have no interest in starting an argument with a stranger on Facebook), but it’s bothered me ever since.
Today while driving in the car the announcer mentioned the funeral was today. “The ceremony ended with her father, Mitch Winehouse’s words “Goodnight my angel, sleep tight.” I got tears in my eyes.
I didn’t particularly know much about Amy Winehouse other than a song or two I hear on the radio. But the thing is there is a mother and father out there who just lost their child. It doesn’t matter who that person was, what they did, what choices they made – they loved her. Once, years ago, they held a baby in their arms with joy and love, excited to find out what the future would hold, hopeful for everything their child would grow to be, looking forward to a lifetime with her. Now she’s dead, gone forever. They are grieving.
Amy’s death was not unexpected for anyone, and the choices she made were sad and unfortunate. She had an addiction, a problem she didn’t overcome. But she was not a mass murderer, she was not a horrible person. She had the same problem that millions of other people in this world have; she could have been your sister, your cousin, your daughter.
I don’t know how anyone can think about someone’s death and not feel touched somehow, not feel their own mortality and that of their loved ones. What is wrong with this world that some people can shrug, can look at a human life like a piece of garbage.
Above all else I want to teach Kate a sense of not just morality, but of empathy and compassion. Death is never simple, and it always makes a mark on someone’s heart.
Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. I had to stop myself from getting in to a few spats on Facebook as well. I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. Someone died. Someone’s child died. People honestly have no idea.
Well said.
xo
Yes. Just that. yes.
Well said. I read his comment online, and it made me so sad. She is somebody’s daughter, troubled for sure, but still their baby.
So nicely said!!
Well said indeed. I did not know her but for a couple of her songs either. I do remember seeing news items about her and getting a chill–because you could just see she was on a collision course. And yes, after being a parent, I have no idea how people could not be affected by such a death.
I sooo agree with you. I know that girl had problems…but she was somebody’s baby and they are grieving and that should be respected.
kd
Well said, Nat. And folks that blame her parents for not “getting her help” should walk a mile in their shoes first. It’s hard enough to help a child in your house, much less an adult who’s become tabloid fodder.
Eloquently stated. I admit that her death did not come as any surprise but who I felt real sadness for were her parents…I never heard much about her mom but I know her dad always had a lot to say about her and wanted her to get better so badly.
It had to have been painful for them to hear/read any of these comments in the wake of her death and it has had to been painful for them to read all the horrible comments that have been made since her rise to fame and the worsening of her addiction.
And with having you as a mommy, I have no doubt Kate will learn much about empathy and compassion.
Well said!
Well said, Natalie. Amy Winehouse’s death hit home with me because I have a couple of people in my life that struggle with addiction, and in particular comments like “Good riddance, another piece of trash gone.” are particularly hard to read because of the message that they end up sending to those who are struggling with addiction and are among the living. What kind of message does that send? Certainly not one of encouragement toward recovery. Just hatred toward people who have a serious problem.