Meeting Robin Roberts after the show. She was so kind and gracious.
From ABC to CBS: here to see “Z” (Susan Zirinsky), Whitney’s old boss and forever mentor.
“Goodbye girls, come back again soon!” -Z
With Z, holding one of her many Emmy’s, after 30 minutes on her office couch spent chatting about her, us, and everything in between. Melissa found an idol — she totally met her match, and I couldn’t get over how real, yet caring Z was. I wish she was my mentor, too. She left a lasting impression on us.
THE. MOMENT. OF. ALL. MOMENTS. The moment I met Bette Midler. Whitney used to work with Bette; they are still close…and Whitney knows how much I have always loved her, so she kindly brought us over to meet her and take a picture. Melissa was in the original, but she told me to cut her out so I could have my own Ellie + Bette photo to frame. A true friend. Bette couldn’t have been more kind or loving…and she lived up to every childhood expectation I dreamed of. Take me back to this, always!
The greatest takeaway of this day was to get to know the character of these iconic women, like Susan Zirinsky and Bette Midler, and observe how much care and attention they gave the people in their lives, no matter how busy. Within minutes of leaving Z’s office, she had emailed Whitney about her ‘Texas posse,’ thanking us for stopping by and hoping we could cross paths again. At the stroke of midnight, Whitney got an email from Bette Midler, minutes off the dance floor, thanking her for coming, and telling her she loved meeting her friends. Additionally, this trip would not have happened without the same generous spirit extended to us by our friend Whitney. Melissa and I were blown away by Whitney’s professionalism, and her reputation amongst peers and mentors at the top of the heap in New York City. Although she is now in Houston, her hard work for a decade in Manhattan set the precedence for her opportunities and her relationships that keep doors open as she continues to mentor her peers and pay everything forward.
Until next time…
