Jett Travolta

I don't make it a habit to blog about celebrities, for one simple reason: I believe strongly that because they, too, are human beings (above all else), they deserve their right to privacy just like any other Average Joe. Maybe even moreso, because they're ALWAYS thrust in the public eye. So, "gossiping" about them just perpetuates the situation, giving them even LESS privacy than they deserve.

However, I really felt compelled to write something about the tragic passing of John Travolta and Kelly Preston's only son, Jett. Perhaps it's because I'm a mom, who like the Travolta's, has only one son. Perhaps it's because John Travolta seems to be one of the most humbled, down-to-earth, "normal" celebrities in show business today. Or, maybe it's because of the sheer enormity of the tragedy that a young man's life has ended, even before it had a fair chance of beginning.

Whatever the case may be for my compulsion, I had to put my feelings out there. To make my thoughts public.

Because, really, when it comes right down to it, whatever profession one chooses in life, and however one brings home their paycheck at the end of the week, the most gratifying job there is is to be a child's parent. Sure, it can be quite the daunting task at times, but, when you do the "work" right, it can also be an amazing, wonderful thing, to watch those tiny little creatures unfold and blossom into adulthood, and to know that you've played a big part in molding them to deal with whatever successes or challenges come their way in life.

John Travolta and Kelly Preston were shining examples of parenting done "right". Because of their celebrity (and therefore, their affluence), they could have easily decided to let the nannies and governesses rear their children, while they flitted about with their heads in the clouds. Instead, though, they made the conscious effort to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, and remain an integral part of their children's lives.

So, although I completely understand that no parent in their sound mind would ever wish their child hurt (or worse), I must say that my heart is aching for John and Kelly, not only because they lost their only son, whom they quite obviously adored, but also because of the fact that they are celebrities, and cannot and will not be left alone to grieve in private.

I only pray that they find the strength in each other in order to make their way through this tragedy together, and that they know and understand that, as long as they carry that beautiful young man in their hearts, they'll have him with them forever.