An Attitude of Gratitude
This month’s issue of O, The Oprah Magazine is about the power of gratitude. It’s an emotion I’ve been feeling a lot lately, thanks to some truly wonderful events and milestones.
October began with a family celebration of my dear Aunt Lydia and Uncle’s Joe 50th anniversary. My cousins Dana and Carla hosted a lovely party at Long Island’s Colonial Springs Golf Club, complete with their wedding video on a loop, delicious food and a fantastic doo-wop group singing classics like “Stand By Me” and “In The Still of The Night.”
Aunt Lydia and Uncle Joe celebrating their gold anniversary
As I watched my aunt and uncle dance to their wedding song “More,” I found myself thinking of another couple whose devotion and commitment to each other endured—my beloved parents. They would have celebrated their 45th anniversary this year. I knew they were smiling down on all of us and I felt blessed all over again to have grown up in the light of their abiding love.
The next day, I was back at Penn Station again—this time for a girls night out in New Jersey with two of my best friends, Sara and Lisa, followed by an afternoon of apple picking at New York’s Masker Orchards.
Sara, me and Lisa
We did a lot of laughing, talking and swooning collectively over the movie that everyone’s been talking about (justifiably), A Star Is Born. In a word, spectacular. Do not miss it!
Speaking of fun with friends, galpal Lori and I made our own to trek to Jersey, to see Phil Collins at Newark’s Prudential Center. It had been almost 25 years since I last saw Phil live and, once again, he didn’t disappoint. Despite ailments necessitating that he remain seated, he put on one hell of a show, in fine voice and backed by a fantastic band and backup singers.
Phil was in fine form at Newark’s Prudential Center
One musician in particular stood out—Phil’s 17-year-old son Nic. Taking over for his legendary dad on the drums and piano, Nic played with the talent and ease of a veteran rock star. You could feel the connection between them, and Phil’s huge pride in his son. It added a moving dimension to an already memorable evening. The set list had just about every song you could have wanted—from “Against All Odds,” “Take Me Home” and “Sussudio,” to Genesis hits like “Invisible Touch” and “Throwing It All Away.” One of the most unforgettable moments came when Phil stood for “In The Air Tonight.” It was the only song he did this for and a powerful illustration that at 67, he’s still got plenty in him. Bravo, Phil.
It’s also been an exhilaratingly action-packed month at work, from the kickoff of season two of Broadway At The Pierre with the dazzling N’Kenge to the hotel’s annual celebration of Diwali: India’s Festival of Lights. These ongoing traditions are part of why The Pierre isn’t just my dream job—it’s the job of a lifetime.
All smiles with my Pierre family at Diwali
I feel so supported and appreciated by my incredible colleagues. They were truly behind me as I finally accomplished something I’ve been working toward for several months. When I thanked one of them for his part in making it possible, he replied—
“We’re a family here and we wouldn’t have done anything less.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Achieving this long-desired goal reminded me how you never know what’s around the corner. And how important it is to cherish and be thankful for every day you’re here to rediscover that.
