RIP Amy Winehouse

As I departed the airport today I was shocked to hear about the death of Amy Winehouse. I think when we look at her tragic life, we as a society should take some responsibility for sitting back and laughing apathetically as someone who was clearly ill, stumbled through her life.

Winehouse had suffered from drug and alcohol dependencies for most of her adult life. Although we often feel this a singular problem, one to be addressed only by the individual afflicted, substance abuse is something many of us have or will struggle with at some point in our lives. When that day comes, we hope to have the support of the people who mean the most to us in our lives.

I was saddened by how many celebrity bloggers sensationalized her death as simply more tawdry gossip. She had her problems, and often people who are dependent on alcohol and drugs are hiding deeper insecurities, pains and traumas that they have been incapable of addressing.

I hope that in her death she is free of that pain, and that maybe, we have all learned a lesson to heed someone’s very public SOS.