An old FRIEND reached out to Me

Recently, a dear friend from the past reconnected with me on LinkedIn, prompting me to share a 20-year update on my life's journey. I've decided to post it here on my page to provide my followers with a deeper understanding of my personal challenges and growth, hoping it might resonate with or inspire some of you.

---

Dear Wendy,​

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm so glad to hear about the wonderful accomplishments of Chloe her husband and Max. It's clear that you're a very proud great-grandmother, and you have every right to be!

I also want to commend you for your growth in sobriety as it pertains to tolerance and inclusivity. It's truly heartwarming to see the progress you've made since we last knew each other. Congratulations on that!

It's important to remember that everyone faces different challenges and has different needs. If I had lived your life, I might not have been able to accomplish what I needed to in my own life. Similarly, if you had lived mine, you might have faced different struggles.

I understand that you were focused on making money, which is understandable given that you had three children to support without a husband. Children do need financial support, and I can see why that was a priority for you.

In my own life, my family faced a difficult situation when my sister's disability became more severe around the year 2000. My mother, Gloria, was not the best at providing the care my sister needed, so my father had to quit his job as a CFO and start his own business to have more time to care for Annette.

I, too, had to leave my job in New York for similar reasons. Then I started bartending, and it turned out that I was quite good at it. I even got a job as the head bartender at The Little Nell in Aspen, a place I'm sure you've heard of. It's a pretty exclusive hotel with rooms that cost $7,000 a night. I had the privilege of meeting many famous people, such as Mariah Carey, Alan Greenspan, Robert De Niro, Jim Carrey, Conan O'Brien, and many more.

Living and working in Aspen was truly a wonderful experience. I had great benefits, like free healthcare and meals, and even one free night at The Little Nell each year. It's a beautiful place, and I'm grateful for the time I spent there.

However, I had to leave Aspen to help my father when he was diagnosed with cancer and later passed away. After that, I needed to take care of my sister's daily needs, which meant feeding her and providing the love and support she required. It's the best job I've ever had, and I wouldn't have been able to do it if I had stayed in my corporate job in Manhattan.

My sister didn't need money; she needed someone to care for her. While I knew how to make money, I didn't know how to care for another human being until I learned from my wife's family, who came from a working-class background. They taught me the value of love and caring for others, even when it's difficult.

At first, I struggled with the idea that I was selfish, spoiled, and entitled. It took time for me to grow and learn to care for others. Bartending played a significant role in that growth, as it taught me the importance of teamwork and supporting others, even when I was physically exhausted.

Unfortunately, you and many others didn't understand my journey and tried to make me feel bad for choosing a different path. I know your heart was in the right place but I've come to realize that everyone's journey is unique, and we can learn from each other's experiences.

I want to thank you for reaching out with kindness and understanding. It's important to remember that God made us all different, and we all have our own paths to follow. By embracing our differences and supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and loving world.

I hope you have a great day, Wendy, and I look forward to continuing our friendship with mutual respect and understanding.