The Birth

July 4, 2005 @1:22 pm my oldest daughter ( Rayna Crystal Marcella Gentry Poland) gave birth to a 7 lb 6 oz little girl. I had the honor of watching the infant being held by her Great grand mother, while her Great grand father looked on in joy. Four generations in one room. A true time for celebration. I was so proud of her and her husband who was also there with her the whole time for the birth of both of their children.

What causes some to stop the celebration of life? On that day July 4, there were deaths of natural causes, rapes, murders and other violent as well as non- violent crimes committed. However we concentrated of the celebration of life.

It appears that as we grow older there is not enough celebration of the opportunities that life has to offer us today. We concentrate on the disappointments, setbacks, sicknesses and the let downs of THIS life. But look for happiness after this life ends. For those who think that way, I ask the question: Why celebrate a birth? I answer we celebrate because our life is a gift to be valued to the highest degree above and beyond mediocre.

Our children are taught what to appreciate, value and celebrate from us... The adults. They watch us twice as much as the listen. Do you live your life as a celebration? I say that it is time. Happy birthday to all who woke up today to read this message. CELEBRATE!!!


Respect

Luther Vandross

The man that helped us remember that a "House is not a home" when there is no one there to truly share with. The man that pointed out that love is "So Amazing". The man that functioned above and beyond as a vocalist and entertainer. This man, as we have come to know him is gone.

What do we learn? Well, we can appreciate the OUTSTANDING music that he provided. We can admire the determination to take his performances to the next level of excellence. We can grieve the loss of this phenomenal individual. But what do we learn.

Life will constantly give us lessons that we can learn from . These may come from things that we experience or they may be things that others experience.

From the loss of our dear brother Luther I learn that if you are heavy ( Big Luther) or small ( Little Luther) somebody will always have something negative to say about us. I learn that we MUST work to be comfortable with ourselves first. I learned that until you put your own signature on a song it is just a song. But as a vocalist you have an opportunity to put your personal stamp on your music, that will make it memorable. Luther REALLY lead that lesson by example. I heard him sing a chewing gum commercial once. I never knew that a gum song could sound so good. I also learned that even though many widely recognized spiritual leaders and everyday folk prayed for his speedy recovery and return to the entertainment stage, it did not happen. That reminded me that if our prayers are not in line with the plans of the Divine Supreme Being it will not happen. Maybe our prayers should be that God's will is done ( what ever that is) OR that the highest good is manifested, although it may be outside of our present realm of vision. I learned that our tomorrows here in this life are not guaranteed. We must LIVE while we are alive. I learned that I and those who knew/enjoyed his music will carry some of the spirit of Luther Vandross with us although he is no longer physically with us.

What do you learn from this experience?

May the family, friends and fans of Mr. Vandross have the spirit of peace, especially during this time.

Respect