DEATH SENTENCE FOR THE QUEEN OF SOUL
December 9, 2010 § 2 Comments
It was in the fall of 1968 that I began my love affair with Aretha Franklin. I found an LP of hers on special in a campus bookstore and paid $2.98 ( and that was marked down from $3.98) for ARETHA FRANKLIN LIVE IN PARIS. That was nearly three hours’ worth of earnings from my part-time minimum wage job. A lot of money for a starving college sophomore to spend on a little entertainment. That record became one of the most beloved of my formidable vinyl collection. I played it until the stereo was worn out of its grooves, and I still have it. I listen to the version on my computer now from time to time, last Sunday the most recent. The Queen of Soul still reigns, as far as I am concerned.
So it was with great sadness that I learned only yesterday that Aretha has pancreatic cancer and has been given less than a year to live. How sad.
It was not too many years ago that a diagnosis of any kind of cancer was a death sentence. That has changed dramatically, and many forms of cancer can be successfully treated and defeated. We all know survivors today who would have been victims some years ago.
Unfortunately, it’s all too true that pancreatic cancer is still a swift death sentence. It claimed both the universally admired and loved Circuit Judge Bob Evans and Meridianite Guy Feltenstein earlier this year. Judge Evans lived only a few months after his diagnosis. Guy had a few months longer. Both suffered agonizing illnesses. Both left a gaping hole in the lives of others.
I read not too long ago that with the ability to do stem-cell research, scientists feel they are on the path to a cure. I hope so. The Lustgarten Foundation promotes research for a cure. If you have some spare change to donate, it would be for a good cause.
In the meantime, the death watch for this superbly talented woman who in every sense is the Queen of Soul ticks down to its inevitable conclusion. How so very sad.
The Better Chancery Practice Blog 
Oy, that’s awful. God bless her. I know she was pleased to live long enough to sing at Obama’s inauguration.
ONe of my favorite songs of all time is her clasic “Say a little prayer for you”…
Well worded tribute Judge.