Later today, for the last time, I will repeat a ritual I’ve been faithful to for 25 years.
I will watch Oprah’s final show.
My darling 17-year-old goddaughter Julia will join me – along with Wilber, the cat.
(Other than shows with birds twittering, Wilber pays no attention to television. But when I’m watching Oprah, he is glued to the screen, too! )
Wilber, as always, entranced by Oprah
As for Julia, watching Oprah together the past few years after summer camp became “our thing.”
Snuggled into bean bag chairs, snacks in hand, sharing Oprah opened the door for us to talk about dating, divorce, love, life and loss and everything in between.
I’m sure you, too, may have your own special watching-Oprah stories.
Still, for those of us who have belonged to the world of Oprah and relied on her comfort, wisdom and leadership, the question is:
What now?
I’ve lived long enough to know with every loss, there is “gold in the grief.”
What will that gold be?
As a Woman on Fire, I am deeply grateful for the path Oprah paved. Against all odds, she proved strength, kindness, generosity, vulnerability and authenticity — powerful women’s characteristics — are a winning combination.
Leaving the familiar, she is handing over an amazing legacy of how to become, as she would say, our very best selves.
What will we do with it?
When I last saw Oprah in person, at Maria Shriver’s Women’s Conference last October, she had us all in tears, urging us to go for our dreams, with her simple statement:
“You know if I can do it, you can do it, too.”
So, I am asking myself…
If I am to become my own Oprah, what does that look like?
More importantly, what would becoming your own Oprah mean for you?
As for you, dear Oprah, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve done to heal and expand goodness in the world.
And, for your inspiration of what is possible for each of us to live our dreams and make a difference.
We will put the spring board you’re leaving us to good use.
I promise.
Love,
Debbie
P.S. What about you? I would love to hear how you feel about this and what you are thinking. Please leave your comments below.
