The credits have just rolled on the last ever Oprah Winfrey Show. They are in harmony with the tears that cascade down my face.
You stood proudly, your arms stretched wide, one final embrace for the world. Your stance, it was almost Christ-like – fitting really, seeing as though you have been a saviour to so many.
 |
| Holding aloft my coveted Oprah Show ticket! |
For me, your show has been like a best friend the last 18 years of my life; it’s where I’ve turned during any crises, heart open and mind seeking. And answers always come.
Since becoming a Mother, it’s these types of tales that affect me the most. They act as a beacon of warning in my life, not unlike a lighthouse, alerting me to the fact I am getting perilously close to crashing into jagged rocks. Suddenly I have the inspiration to navigate a path to safer, calmer waters once more.
I’ve always treasured Mummy Warrior Monica Jorge, who I first “met” when I was a new (exhausted and rather too sad) Mum, responsible for a 6 week old baby, suffering from sleep deprivation and excruciating side effects from what I’d labelled a traumatic birth experience. One particularly tough parenting day, whilst looking out at the world with bleak, burdened eyes, I stumbled across this upbeat, optimistic mother, who had endured a labour exceedingly worse than mine could ever be considered, leaving her with significantly limiting disabilities. Yet she chose to take the path of positivism.
Monica uttered such a simple statement that I have never forgotten; and instantly my eyes were wide with renewed awareness.
“What good are you to your children if you’re miserable?”
My son too deserved a happy Mummy, and it was one of the first steps I took towards shaking off my after childbirth funk I’d fallen into.
Then there was Brenda Slaby, who’s harrowing tale made me realise I need to stop. To breathe. That horrific accidents happen when you try to juggle too many balls in your world.
That miracles can occur, like with the Coble family, who lost their little son and young daughters in a shocking car accident, but are now parents to triplets (you guessed it, a son and two daughters….)
That it is okay if at first you do not succeed – billionaire authoress JK Rowling did it, dusted herself off and told us, via your platform “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all”
And finally, that dreams do come true; as you say “luck is preparation meeting opportunity”. I threw myself on the mercy of the universe, in the hopes of securing the most highly sought after ticket in town in December 2010, and my belief was repaid. Attending your taping in Sydney, will eternally remain one of the ultimate highlights of my life. Hearing your wise words, as you told us, off camera, just as the show wrapped, that we really are what we project; what you put out to the world is what you get back, has stayed with me ever since that sun-shiney Sydney morn. And with Bon Jovi’s lyrics ringing in my ears “it’s my life, and it’s now or never, I aint gonna live forever” I walked away a renewed woman.
 |
| Living the dream at Oprah Sydney morning show – and yes I am wearing clothes! |
So from one “love letter” to another, Oprah, all that is left to say is that I humbly thank you for the daily re-shaping of my world. Because of you, I am in tune with the energies of the people around me; I’ve begun to listen to the whispers in my world, and although it’s a long road ahead, dared to begin to believe that I am indeed worthy of the success that awaits.
This last episode now assumes the coveted mantle of being my most treasured. A eulogy of inspiration, timely reminders and words of wisdom, delivered with tangible grace, as only you can Oprah. May we all embrace the life that is calling and never forget to validate, to listen, to learn, with our heart open.
Your devoted Oprah Show disciple,
Donna
Oprah is the best! Love her too.
What a fabulous post!!! So envious of you, actually being there. I’ll see you again soon!
What a fabulous love letter. I’m sure Oprah will be back soon … xo