Monday, May 30, 2011

like a handprint on our hearts.

as the city of chicago said goodbye to their queen, in the house that jordan built, i watched as countless celebrities paid tribute to the woman who defines "self-made." it's not that i believe every word oprah says, or that i read every book she recommends, but i must sheepishly admit i have been rather emotional about oprah's departure from daytime television. my beloved, does not share this sentiment. as a matter of fact, patrick does not enjoy oprah. at all. and i had a very hard time explaining why i am so invested. i tried pointing at the tribune headline "don't leave oprah, we love you so!" and said "see! the city we love, loves her!" i tried explaining all the good she's done, the money she's donated, the lives she has bettered, but pat politely said "it's not like she's the only person who donates money." which, i painfully had to admit, was true. and then i realized, there isn't one reason why i love oprah. i love oprah, because she is every woman in my life, wrapped into one. she's a woman who loves children and stands up for families, but has chosen to live her life unmarried, and without children. she's extremely spiritual, always referencing a higher power, and yet refuses to call a religion her own. she believes in valuing yourself above everything else, but once a year, she gives you a complete list of her favorite material things. i sometimes think "oprah and i could be friends..." and then i remember that she rubs elbows with julia roberts and tom cruise. she is somehow the most and least accessible woman i know, AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW HER!
i love her because she makes me think. and she makes me reflect. and because she tells a story of a little black girl, from the backwoods of mississippi, who was able to follow her dreams and make a billion dollars. she did so honestly, with god given talent, and a drive to bring positive change to every life she touched. so bravo, ms. winfrey. & thank you. for making me believe, that on my own terms, i can make my little corner of the world shine a little brighter.
"because we knew you..we have been changed for the good."