A Journey of Passion and Purpose – meet BJ. Hey there, wonderful people! I’m BJ, and I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to invite you into my world. So, find yourself a comfy spot, and let me whisk you away on a journey through my life – a journey packed with passion, purpose, and heaps of heart.
Let’s start with a little glimpse into my family history. Both sets of my grandparents were immigrants who made their way through Ellis Island, seeking a better life. My mom? Well, she was the epitome of sunshine – always bright, always spreading love wherever she went. There wasn’t a single unkind bone in her body. And then there’s my dad, with his English roots and a dry wit that could crack even the toughest nut. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the value of hard work early on, a trait he passed down to us.
Now, picture this: my dad, a WWII veteran, part of the 10th Mountain Division. These brave souls fought in the rugged Italian Alps, armed with skis and even lugging around bazookas. Can you imagine the courage and strength it took to navigate those slopes with such heavy gear? It’s a testament to their resilience and determination.
A Journey of Passion – Where it Began
Let’s rewind to where it all began – the start of my journey. I’m the youngest of three girls. If you’re looking at an old photo, you’ll spot me on the left, heavily pregnant. In the middle is my eldest sister, a whole 5.5 years older than me. And on the right is my middle sister, just 18 months older than me.
As the baby of the family, I always looked up to my eldest sister. Wherever she went, I wanted to tag along, much to her patience and tolerance. I must admit, I was quite the little nuisance, but she never seemed to mind. However, it was with my middle sister that I truly bonded. Being so close in age, we spent countless hours playing together, sharing secrets, (we even shared a bedroom) and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Footsteps Through Time – A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Our childhood unfolded in the suburbs of Cleveland, where we roamed the streets with our imaginations running wild. As we grew older and ventured away from Cleveland, my middle sister remained rooted in our hometown. You see, our parents passed away when we were young adults. So having a sense of roots and connection became incredibly important to me.
My sisters seemed to have all the talent in the world, while I’m still on the hunt for mine. My eldest sister has a knack for cooking and effortlessly played the role of the ideal corporate wife. Meanwhile, my middle sister’s creativity knows no bounds. She crafted stunning flower arrangements (even my wedding bouquet!) and worked her magic as a costume designer for numerous local theaters.
Sadly, she passed away unexpectedly. Among the many costumes she created was one for the Cat in The Hat. At her funeral, the actor donned the hat she had designed. His words still echo in my heart: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
I Was The Dreamer
As I grew up, I was always the dreamer, the one with a head full of ideas and a heart brimming with curiosity. And let me tell you, that curiosity led me to places I never could have imagined. From the bustling streets of the city to the tranquil countryside, every corner of the world had something new to teach me.
Between my undergraduate and graduate studies, I was fortunate to embark on adventures across 11 different countries in Europe. I vividly remember visiting East Berlin when the wall still stood tall, and venturing into Czechoslovakia shortly after the Russians invaded Prague. Throughout my travels, I encountered countless incredible people. From the students in Yugoslavia, earnestly trying to understand that my clothes weren’t supplied by the government, to the West Berliners expressing profound gratitude to America for the life-saving air drops during difficult times. These encounters taught me a valuable lesson. Despite our differences, we all share the same desires and dreams.
My journey was an eye-opening education, and I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the unity of humanity. It was an experience that left me proudly waving the flag of my homeland!
More Of My Story – A Journey of Passion and Purpose
But in the midst of both chaos and tranquility, one thing remained unwavering – my passion for storytelling. Whether conveyed through words, music, or art, I found comfort in the melody of tales, in the enchantment of narratives that intertwined hearts across vast oceans and through the passage of time.
My professional journey has been no less of an adventure. From my role as a Regional Marketing Program Manager at IBM, where fate led me to meet my husband, to my time crunching numbers as a CFO and eventually navigating the helm as a CEO, I’ve traversed various sectors of the corporate landscape. Yet, after relentlessly pursuing success, I came to realize that my most significant achievement lay in the bonds of family.
Family
I am blessed with two incredible children, a daughter who holds the title of eldest and a son who will forever be my baby. And then there’s my amazing husband, a true master in the art of salesmanship. A veteran of the Air Force during the Vietnam War, he lucked out with a station in Las Vegas at Nellis Air Force Base. Despite being older when we started our family, he effortlessly embraced fatherhood, never missing a beat when it came to attending hockey games, soccer matches, or theater performances. We were a family on the move, exploring new places near and far, with Disney World becoming a familiar destination – I sometimes joked that we were on a first-name basis with Mickey Mouse! And now, our joy has multiplied with the arrival of our grandson, who holds a special place in my heart like no other.
Time seems to have slipped through our fingers like grains of sand, a sentiment echoed by many of us seniors. My daughter lovingly refers to me as “one of the olds,” yet I still feel a disconnect between the person staring back at me in the mirror and the youthful spirit within. Reflecting on my life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my loving parents, for finding my soulmate after 44 years, and for the unwavering support of my children. What more could I possibly ask for? Well, more grandchildren, of course!
Embracing the Unknown: My Journey to New Beginnings
Now, I’ve stumbled upon a fresh opportunity alongside kindred spirits who share a common goal: to lend a helping hand to as many people as possible. In today’s world, such a collective effort is truly a beacon of hope. I’ve unlocked a door to a network that’s intricately woven together. Through my diverse experiences, I’ve cultivated invaluable skills essential for making things happen – nurturing strong connections, seeing projects through from inception to completion, and, most importantly, aiding others in reaching their dreams. Rather than feeling like I’m starting from scratch, I see this as a continuation of my journey. I remain steadfast to dream big, and I encourage you to do the same. Together, let’s embrace the adventure that lies ahead!
Response Magic