This place, Nanina's in the Park, is known for it's food and big Italian weddings. And man, I was right back at home in Goomba Country. LOL.  Connie's element was all around. Anyway, we eventually went into the ballroom for dinner and festivities. It was very long, lots of speeches, lots of entertainment, an incredible introduction and entrance by Connie, of course a standing ovation and lots of yelling and screaming, the video she uses in concert, terrific dinner of filet mignon and shrimp.

 But..... most importantly, before I have to go to work, THE SPEECH!

 When it was time, she went to the podium, (I went up and sat on the steps right in front of her!) and spoke from the heart, bared her soul and made me cry. It was so honest, raw, and beautiful. She spoke of her father, her mother, Georgie, George Schenk, Connie Rose, Arleen, the early days, the good times and the tragic. I was amazed at her openness when she spoke of not having a penny to her name in 1991, the 17 admissions to mental institutions between 1984 and 1991 in 5 different states. Feeling like a poster child for mental illness. (she made this into a joke to make us laugh. Typical Connie!) Telling us, and I want to let you all now as well, that next May, something about being named as a mental health ambassador for some organization. I don't quite remember the specifics. You will hear more later. She spoke of Joey, (not there, but at home tonight, on a HOT date!) She introduced her psychiatrist of many years, ( I spoke to her afterward and thanked her for taking care of Connie for so long, so well. She said Connie is doing just great these days). Introduced her long time lawyer and accountant. A past governor was there and she spoke of him. Everyone was there. She spoke of the career, the fun, the excitement, the heads of state, the good and the bad. It was amazing. She said the last 72 hours were the greatest of her life. Nothing but Joey could ever compare. WOW!