Since I joined BGOL 13 years ago:
When I know someone great and near to my heart like this is sick, I celebrate each day or hour that I don't see the announcement of their passing on BGOL's front page.
One more day... One more hour to petition The Most High for a miracle.
I knew this was coming, but it still hurts.
...Partly because it seems like there is no one younger remaining who can succeed her in greatness.
...But also because, she has a round-the-way Black girl name, Aretha. She's one of US.
She felt like that cool Auntie Re-Re who would sing and blow everybody away at the family reunion barbecue.
And she sang our joys, misery, heartbreak, ecstasy and liberation.
She preached our lives when she opened her mouth and released those beautiful sounds.
This is my favorite song by Aretha:
Rest with Our Father, Queen.
