I didn’t realize just how badly the loss of a dear friend could affect me. It knocked the wind right out of my sails. 

It matters how you get the news. It matters who you get it from and it matters if there is any unfinished business when you’re told.

Working on the computer and searching for HarlemAmerica related materials, a couple photos of Sarah Dash popped up reminding me that I owed her a call. She had texted me a couple of weeks ago, but being so consumed with work I hadn’t responded. (The unfinished business.)

Having been reminded by her lovely photos, now, I had planned to call her later that day. However, before I was able to, I got a call from a friend Angelo Ellerbee, asking if it was true what he had read on social media.  (How I heard the news.) I was suddenly saddened.  So, I immediately called Sarah’s number hoping that she would answer.

When her sister Diana answered, I broke down and started crying. Couldn’t help it, my heart was heavy. (Who I heard the authentic bad news from.)

Another friend, Ronnie Wright, organized a ride to Trenton, NJ, with two other friends Don Thomas and Antar Le Gendre, for the public viewing. Just as we drove up and parked in front the building, the doors began to open as if Sarah Dash had said don’t let my friends and fans in until G. Keith gets here. Sarah was looking beautiful, elegant, like herself, dressed like an entertainer, like a member of LaBelle. 

The next Saturday, I stayed in bed and watched the services where Pattie and Nona performed. Couldn’t function outside of bed until Tuesday.

Love you Sarah Dash, God has welcomed you home to be amongst his faithful children, and some of the greatest singers, musicians, and entertainers of all time. Glad you got your honors, awards, and flowers before you departed. Rest in peace and power.