When I sat down to write to you this morning I was sidetracked by a Facebook message from a friend saying hello. Twenty minutes later I realized I was still engrossed in connecting with friends and decided I would check my Inbox before signing off. I am so glad I did. Sitting in my Inbox was a message “Ode to a Joy” from my cousin Cara. Today marks the 9th anniversary of Cara’s sister and my dear cousin Rena’s early passing from breast cancer. After reading the message I found myself tearful and melancholy, with that mixed feeling of being both happy and sad. I was missing Rena, but also remembering her kindness, loyalty, friendship and wisdom beyond her years. Cara ended her letter with, “Rena’s joy was a gift. One that she was able to simply open up and receive from the very beginning.”
My mom Roseanne with my daughter Lily at Grandparents Day
I have decided to take today to celebrate Rena as well as the strong women in my life whose joy and wisdom made an imprint on me and shaped the woman I am. I would like to share with you four of these women.
My mother, Roseanne, an eccentric artist who has always showed me that having the courage to be myself is the only way to really live. She has shown me that anything is possible for me if I put my mind to it and just figure it out for myself.
My Grandma Annie, known as the “Cookie Lady,” doled out an abundance of joy and a smile with every tasty treat. She worked at the bakery around the corner from her house for 35 years. Her quotes still ring true to me today. “Choose your friends, don’t let your friends choose you.”
My Grandma Savo was a women of few words who spent most of her time in the kitchen sharing her love through food. She stood all of 4-feet 11-inches tall and never weighed more than 79 lbs. She would tell me “Never do anything you wouldn’t want posted on the front page of the NY times” and “When it’s all said and done all you have left is your integrity.” Small but mighty is the only way to describe her.
My son Spencer with Grandma Annie and I in New York 2007
My cousin Rena was wise beyond her years. She was a Love, a Light, and a Joy. Her sister, Cara, writes that she was “the 5 to my 6. Her faith, genuine. Her friendship, true.”
Rena was a musician, a teacher and an artist. Her legacy she leaves behind has nothing to do with business but all to do about her Brand and Imprint. Nine years later people remember and honor her by sharing stories about the imprint she left on their life and the gifts she left behind.
Are you spreading your joy, your gift? What is your imprint? One person can make a difference.
Love & Light,
Star**