With the passing of my dear friend Rhona of a massive heart attack, it made me think a lot about my life between family, friends and colleagues, work and play!
I’ve always believed in balance and, after a stressful week, on Sunday I️ went to see Bette Midler in “Hello Dolly.”
Talk about fun and joy. That’s the Broadway revival of an old show that is truly a classic with songs to sing as you leave the theatre.
I️ cried. I️ laughed. I️ cheered. That’s what great theatre is all about. It made my heart soar as I️ watched Ms. Midler prancing and dancing and singing her heart out.
I️ related to the story of a widow who recreated herself as a matchmaker and whatever else she could do to make money and make people happy.
Finally, she decided she was ready to remarry and set her sights on a “rich half millionaire.”
The show-stopping scene in which she walks down a red-carpeted stairway bedazzling in a red satin sequined gown and red feather headdress singing “Hello Dolly“ was worth the price of the very expensive third row seat!
I️t reminded me that about five years ago the Josephine Foundation put on “Hello Dolly” and asked me to do that scene as Dolly.
I️ wore a red satin dress and went to Alicia’s Jewelers in Bayside and they outfitted me in over $200,000 worth of diamonds. Did I️ bedazzle the crowd at Flushing Town Hall. Such fun!
That’s what makes a life — to begin the week at the graveside funeral of my dear friend and end it with a magical, magnificent musical.
On a serious note, after Rhona’s death, my friend and cardiologist Dr. Perry Frankel is checking my records for the last time I️ had a coronary artery calcium checkups and rechecking my last stress test and heart sonogram and Doppler test of my carotid artery .
When was the last time, dear reader, that you had a check-up?
Rhona ran to the doctor for her loved ones but never for herself!
Love yourself enough to take time to care about you so you will be here to care about those you love!
Rhona forgot that ….
The Kings of Kings
What a joyous night of honoring outstanding men who make a difference in Brooklyn.
It was particularly sweet to honor Chase Bank’s Senior Vice President Ed O’Donnell by inducting him into our Hall of Fame.
For a decade, he led as board chair Life’s WORC, the organization I️ founded in 1971. During Ed’s tenure, the agency grew and flourished. He devoted endless hours to bring his business acumen to a non-profit devoted to people with developmental disabilities and autism. He truly earned his place as a King!
