Good People Day 2009 – Celebrating with Gary and all the good people in my life! Cheers! 4.3.09
It’s April 3rd and that means it’s time for Good People Day 2009!
It’s not midnight yet. I still have time to get my homage up. I realize I’m down to the wire, but heck, it’s Friday. As I sit here with @chrismccaffrey drinking some nice red wine, watching Slumdog Millionaire on my Netflix Blueray, I will take a moment to share this:
I’m sure anyone reading this blog knows that this “blog holiday” was started by Gary Vaynerchuk last year. You can watch his short video to learn all about the origins. In a nutshell – Gary is supporting the concept of taking a few minutes out of your busy life to stop and say… I appreciate a good person in my life! I am down with that. It’s beautiful and it’s good karma – two things my Italian spirit genuinely appreciates.
There are so many “industry” friends that are amazing people. I want to give a shout out to all of them. I won’t go into detail here, b/c I would have to leave people out. But if you’ve spoken on the phone with me in the last 3 months – you know who you are!
Like Gary, I want to give a shout out to a family member this year. I have a big family, full of amazing people. But there is one person that I want to call out as a focus for “good people day.” My stepmom Marilyn. It’s weird b/c this morning started with a news report on Good Morning Amercia (favorite morning show for me and my man) about how some women were perceiving stepmoms to be “too involved” because they declared their love for their step child. Some super model (giselle, maybe), said she loved her step child as her own. And some very sad, pained and insecure women got in an uproar. That got me “social media” involved! (I twittered GMA, not that they noticed). 
As a child of divorce, who has two amazing parents and a kind, wonderful, step-mom – I wanted to say – the more love the better. Love is not defined by genetics or “hierarchy.” My mom is a wonderful, kind woman who is HONORED by the fact that my stepmom loves her stepchildren. My dad always supported kindness and respect for all parties.
I truly believe that humans that promote positivity and love will win. That’s really what it comes down to.
So – I raise a glass to Marilyn Agresta, a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others as a nurse, a mother, a step-mother, a community leader, a church elder, a giver. Without concern for what she gets back, Marilyn gives. She epitomizes good karma in my book and I am grateful for her love, friendship, kindness and support. And motherly love!
Here’s to all the “good people” out there – moms, dads, stepmoms, stepdads – who commit time, energy, love and affection to helping raise good people.
#gdp09. Thanks @garyvee.
Ciao peeps!
Love what you wrote, and not just because I am honored by the same great stepmom, who incidentally chose to keep her married name to stay connected to her stepchildren after divorcing their father, but because it is truthful testimony to the love possible in all non-traditional family (hooray Iowa Supreme Court btw)…well-done!
You are so wonderful sweetie, and the only family member that reads my blog.
I need to send this link around. We will raise a glass to you tonight as Cath/Lou/Andy join Chris and I at Chez Tower Hill.
We miss and love you and most importantly love your passion for justice and kindness in the world!
xoxo
WoW…
)
Thank you Stephanie for the recognition and a
Thank you Elizabeth for your comment.
Of all the honors that the world gives out, what better honor could there possibly be then the returned love of those you care deeply for and about…
I remember the story when we were all younger, about one of your friends who was shocked that you all LIKED you Step-mom..and her kids.. How thankful I have been that you let me be a part of your lives..and that our families were able to blend together in a special relationship that has continued for almost 37 years…So thanks to all of you for your part..God bless!
Love and hugs,
Marilyn