Closing out 2023….Thankful.

Dean & Dena…..23 years ago

Yesterday was Dean’s 24th birthday and I’m feeling quite nostalgic. I found this picture of us…circa 2000…when I was 28 and Dean was one. Jacqueline hadn’t arrived yet and I was reveling in my new job as “Dean’s Mom.” I always wanted to be a mom and the two years Dean and I had together were wonderful. I remember feeling like I wanted to have more kids but I also wanted to DO more…with my career…my life…but I wasn’t really sure where to start.

By May of 2002, Jacqueline joyfully arrived and I turned 30 that September. I was sure I was going to die soon (30 hit me hard) so I signed up for a comedy class in Philadelphia and began my comedy journey. I’m sure I had no idea where that comedy class would lead but I never considered where I am now as a possibility. I’ve always been a “Take Every Opportunity” kind of gal so I’ve worked in almost every place imaginable. I’ve worked in comedy clubs, basements of Irish Pubs, the backyard of guy named “Ed” turning 50, the United Nations, Chardonnay France for “Chardonnay Day” and the Miss America stage.

I’ve cried when I achieved more than I ever thought possible (hosting with Anderson Cooper, premiering One Funny Mother Off Broadway, selling out theaters across the country) and I’ve cried because of lost opportunities and seeing my cohort of comedians now on Netflix and in stand-up specials. At every stage of life I know I’ve felt the same way….I’ve reveled in what I’ve accomplished and also mourned the things I haven’t.

At the tender age of 50, I now know that things happened the way there were supposed to happen….and to waste time mourning a different life for myself is futile. I’d like to think that in my little corner of the world, I’m killing it. Just being me.

Of course, I always have dreams in my head for my next great adventure…but now, I also get to add the joy of watching my kids reach for their dreams. The joy of not being on stage….but an avid supporter…in the darkness of the audience as my kids try their hand at Stand-up, performing in orchestras or launching their careers. I know that support is invaluable because of all the people that have supported me throughout the years.

So….thank you…

Thank you for the kind words this year as I navigate a new life on my own.

Thank you for being there every morning for the morning show….so I’m not talking to myself.

Thank you for giving me a reason to wake up….with someone to say.

Thank you for sharing your stories with me….the joyful ones and the hard ones.

Thank you for coming to my comedy shows…even though you’ve seen six times.

Thank you for loving my kids like your own.

Thank you for giving my mom all the love she deserves….and making her a star.

Thank you for allowing me to keep some parts of my life, my own.

Thank you for knowing that 8:30 am start time is fluid.

Thank you for loving innuendo….and "That’s what she said” jokes.

Thank you for being a part of our community…in whatever way you can….a supporter, a fan, a silent watcher.

I’m leaving this year Thankful because I’ve come out of some dark years and I want to be brighter. Maybe not shiny all the time, but a little glimmer would be nice.

I hope you can take stock in your own life and find peace and a thankful heart this holiday season. Congrats if you are exactly where you wanted to be….but I imagine for most of us, we mourn lost opportunities, loves, and experiences. When I feel that happening I’m choosing to be thankful for “my people”….the people who love me no matter where I am, what I’m doing and where I’m headed.

Our OFM Community is pretty special. All are welcome. The weirder the better. There is a place for your here.

And we are THANKFUL to have you.