A SPECIAL THANKS
by Jim Bertagnolli
7/25/2010
I am writing this as member and founder of RGiA, not because I feel I’ve won an award or that I am famous or special, or that there are any grand delusions over what the future may or may not bring for RGiA. I just feel that I cannot rightly be the face of a new world like this without giving credit to those many hidden factors. These thanks are not representative of RGiA as a whole, only my life personally, which of course in being such, has had an effect on the creation of this new world where people will be able to be educated in the arts and take part in artistic productions of all sorts, for free. Hopefully there will be a place for anyone who would want to be a part of it. That’s the ideal. But I felt that it needed to be brought to light all the factors that play a role behind the scenes, which have guided and supported me throughout my life.
First of all, of course my mother and my father for being great parents. Although I have suffered greatly to overcome the “spoiled brat” syndrome (left by their complete lack of discipline), it was their intelligence, my mother’s strange extra-sensory abilities, and my father’s interesting assortment of books that really have helped me to never get too boxed into one thing or another and always remain open to exploring the unknown. And a big thanks to my brother and my sister, who are two of the most intelligent people I know. Although we never realized it in our youth, they remain some of the brightest people I know, a continual source of friendship and support. And I can really say this about all of my friends throughout my life, really some of the rarest seeds out there – Alex, Chris, Matt, Jesse, Dave, Luke, Daniel, Ben, Paul, Cameron, Mauricio, etc. (you all know who you are!), and whoever else I can’t think of off the top of my head after a little bit too much coffee this morning!
A huge and overwhelming thanks must go to Mark Pritchard (a.k.a. Belzebuub), gnostic author and lecturer. His continual guidance has seen me through some of the most interesting and trying times in my life. He is a true friend and confidant. I can’t thank him enough.
A special thank you to The Gnostic Movement and all its numerous volunteers for seeing me through all my growing pains over the last several years, and ever taking me back with open arms. Their help and support has not gone unnoticed, and I always wish the best for everyone involved in this movement.
And last but certainly not least, I cannot thank my wife enough for seeing me through (and continuing to see me through!) all the growing up I’ve had to do since we first met. Her love has played a bigger role in my life than she might ever realize. She’s taught me how to be… human, and for that I can only be infinitely grateful, because how sorry is a life lived as a cyborg? Without her, anything I have done or will ever do would lose all meaning. And maybe some things are that simple.
To everyone else who is involved right now in RGiA and to those who will be involved in the future: Thank you.
