Blog by Sean Gehon, Thursday, April 12, 2007

For two months now America has been consumed with the trials and tribulations surrounding the death of Anna Nicole Smith. Paternity tests, a mysterious death, a war over the custody of baby Danniellynn, and the ever popular TrimSpa debate, even in death, Anna Nicole hasn’t kept us bored for long. Even in the face of tragedy, and in true opportunist fashion, there are those out there who are willing to squeeze every last penny out of the deceased bombshell.

Donna Hogan has joined the ranks of family members trying to milk Anna Nicole Smith’s death for all its worth. Recently, Donna penned a book entitled Train Wreck: The Life and Death of Anna Nicole Smith. Although Donna Hogan is only Anna Nicole’s half sister, you would think the ties of family would unite them, unfortunately, it seems to only fuel the rage.

Train Wreck attempts to give readers a behind the scenes look at the world of Anna Nicole Smith. Donna Hogan, Smith’s half-sister, often criticizes the bombshells life style and seems to be throwing herself a pity party. For some reason I just want Donna Hogan to be aware that it’s okay to be jealous of your famous, gorgeous, insane half sister. Nobody’s going to fault Donna Hogan for writing a tell all book about one of the entertainment industry’s biggest mysteries, but what I will fault her for, is trying to make a quick buck out of a tragic situation.

As many of us have quickly found out, Anna Nicole Smith lead a roller coaster life style filled with insecurity, poor decisions, and an interesting combination of dietary aids. Maybe Anna Nicole isn’t the poster child of normalcy, and I know I’m guilty of referring to her as a train wreck before, but is it appropriate for her sister to entitle a biography about Anna, Train Wreck? Personally, I find it a little insensitive to insult Anna in this manner. We’ve all had issues with our siblings, but is it appropriate to write a book and insult them in this manner? The impression I got from watching Anna Nicole Smith is that she’s genuinely a nice, positive, and fun person. Someone who’s able to give off that impression, I find it hard to imagine as being so terrible.

There’s not a lot to say on this topic since I haven’t read the book. It’s probably unfair to pass judgment on something like this without first reading the material in which you’re discussing. However, I just find the entire situation lacking tact, and taste of any kind. Granted, Anna Nicole Smith has been a very hot commodity and mystery in the media of late, but does that warrant insensitivity? Regardless of whether or not you liked Anna Nicole Smith, cared that she died, or have no idea who I’m talking about, the fact is… somebody out there loves her. She may not have been stable, and she may never win an award for mother of the year, but one thing is for certain, the loss of a human life truly deserves some sort of respect.

Lately I’ve fond myself pondering the worth of a human life, and I’ve decided that you wouldn’t be given it if it weren’t worth having. Anna Nicole may not have used her life to save the world, cure cancer, or do anything other than look great and have a good time, but she was at least able to live. Whether or not you agree with me isn’t the point. The point I’m trying to make, is love your family. They may not be perfect, they may be pains in the neck, and hell… they may be one giant train wreck, but they’re the only family you have.

Sean (RIP Anna Nicole, I think I might actually miss you.)

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