If America’s largest corporations don’t hesitate to seek valuable info from ordinary people like you, why would you hesitate to ask others when you need something for yourself?

Watching Good Morning America’s coverage of Whitney Houston’s career this morning reminded me of the beautiful face, sparkling smile, vivacious videos, admirable acting  and elegant physical frame that entertained, engaged and inspired millions.

Eulogies celebrating this pop superstar began as early as yesterday evening at the Beverly Hilton hotel, lodge of Whitney’s death and venue to the pre-Grammy festivities that were to celebrate this now-deceased music megastar, as fellow music artists fondly remembered her and spoke lovingly in past-tense phrases. Vigils began and a Newark, NJ church already scheduled a special service today in her memory.

Diane Sawyer’s seminal interview, featuring a newly sobered, raspy-voiced Whitney clinging desperately to an oversized pillow as much for hiding as for comfort while making her painful public disclosures, is sure to go viral.  Expect to see Whitney’s name and image gracing the covers of major magazines, serving as the timely topic for newly released feature articles and books, and a series of TV specials in tribute to her life and career. Whitney Houston’s music sales, lackluster these past few years, will no doubt revive among her old fans while inspiring a generation of new ones.

The Post-Whitney Mania is less than one day old. Yet from my vantage point, Whitney has just joined the ranks of what happens to fallen icons in death. Like self-destructive superstars Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and, to a lesser degree, Princess Di who struggled with eating disorders, Whitney’s publicized, scrutinized, exploited and even parodied personal failures will quickly be eclipsed by an after-life chapter that would have us focus on what was good – and lasting – about this entertainer extraordinaire.

As I join others in remembering Whitney, I just want to know one thing. Why are we often unkind and frequently judgmental of fallen fellow men while they are among us, yet quickly forgiving upon their demise? Further, why does it take death to overlook the personal failures of others and cause us to give them praise and honor?  Why wait to celebrate them in death?

This idea of honoring others when they’re still among us is not a new concept for me. I addressed the subject of honoring others sooner – rather than later – in a semi-satirical video filmed at a local cemetery. http://youtu.be/WDlRfQCorRU

Because of her celebrity, Whitney Houston fought her private addiction battles in public. Those battles certainly did not reflect her finest hour.  Yet the love, grace and kindness that pours out for her today could have been equally delivered while she was still present and able to receive our affection. Would that same love, shared with her in life,  have helped ease her pain.

Many of us will memorialize Whitney with her signature piece: Saving All My Love for You. In remembering Whitney Houston today, may we also look upon others in our midst with similar gratitude, grace, forgiveness and good thoughts.

May Whitney Houston’s passing remind us to take time and share the love we’ve been saving up for others. Today, while we still can.

From Las Vegas, check out the latest ways to sport your favorite teams. www.facebook.com

From Prada at Las Vegas City Center. www.facebook.com

I’m sharing mine so you can think about yours! www.facebook.com

Looking forward to a New Year from an above-ground vantage point. www.facebook.com

A Pepsi Refresh Project winning art destination. Hollidazzle. www.facebook.com

From moms to MS sufferers, anyone can be part of this “mob”. Meet Liquid Beat, a Tampa-based Flash Mob that invites everyone to be part of the fun! www.facebook.com/maura4u

At the Ava Gardner Museum. Find out if you share something with this Hollywood legend. www.facebook.com

A general question posed at the historic General Assembly room of NJ’s State House. www.facebook.com