7 Reasons I will miss Oprah

Oprah Winfrey (biographydvd.com)

Oprah Winfrey signs off network television, May 25, 2011 after 25 years. That’s tomorrow. It’s hard to believe that her show debuted in Chicago on September 8, 1996. I will admit that I have watched a lot of Oprah episodes over  the years so I will be home watching the last episode with a box of Kleenex.

Her last show is one of those where were you when moments in television and will be watched by untold millions.

Here are my 5 reasons why I will miss Oprah:

1. Introduction of New Stars into Our Lives that Made an Impact for the Better – Oprah has introduced us  a slew of people over the years that have truly changed my life and helped me a better person. From  financial guru Suze Orman (who I met at my first blog event and congratulated me on being laid off) to Interior Designer Nate Berkus (who I met last year and taught me that it doesn’t take a lot of money to make your home a home) to Dr. Phil providing great parental and marital advice (hey if I ever get married, I will take his advice to heart) to Fitness Guru Bob Greene (yes, I bought his first book and did lose weight) and so many more. Hope that she continues her Oprah Effect and keeps discovering new people for us to learn from.
2. The Oprah Book Club –  Oprah got America reading again and revitalized the publishing industry. Talk about power. She introduced me to authors, I would have never read without her endorsement. I hope that she continues the book club on OWN. Now I barely have time to read and I don’t even time to read the New York Times Book review to even be current on what I am missing so her recommendations always help me during the one time of the year, I go and actually buy a book.
3. Oprah’s Dancing or shall I say her lack of dancing rhythm – I loved that Oprah broke a stereotype by showing that hey, all black people can’t dance or have rhythm. Since I have neither dancing skills nor rhythm, I appreciated those groundbreaking moments of truly bad dancing. Remember the episode with Tina Turner where Oprah got on stage and tried to dance with Miss Turner.  Even Tina Turner couldn’t resist making a comment “You don’t have any rhythm, do you?” that’s how bad Oprah’s dancing was.
4. Gayle King – Who doesn’t love Oprah’s BFF? I will never forget those road trips which were television gems where Gayle made Oprah human and somewhat put in her place. Someone has to do it. You just know Gayle is the type of fun friend that will come over anytime day or night and listen you bemoan your woes and then tell you to suck it up and move on.
5. Her Philanthropic Efforts – Oprah reminded us over the years to give back and did a great job in showcasing those who gave back to the community. I loved the Angel Network which she began in 1998 until 2010. I hope she revives in on the OWN network.
6. Making Therapy Acceptable for Black People – I am not sure why but African Americans will not see therapists but she has made it okay and not a sign of weakness to go and talk to a stranger about how you are feeling.
7. Great Television Moments – There have been doozies over the years.

1. • The 1988 episode where she rolled out the 67 pounds of fat to illustrate how much weight she lost and promptly gained it all back and more.
   • The Tom Cruise episode in which Cruise confessed his undying love for Katie Home. A show that he will never lived down and seemingly began the quick slide into jokedom. I still love you Tom.
   • “You Get a Car, You Get a Car” episode where Oprah gave the audience all a brand new Pontiac G6. This episode’s “You get a Get Car, You Get a Car” was widely repeated and went onto become a classic SNL skit. It was also memorable for the studio audience’s reaction.
   • Dr. Phil episodes and Nate Berkus – There are too many to name but I did not miss an episode when they were both on.
   • Her Secret Sister episode – Not much to say except in the day and age of families selling out, for Oprah Winfrey to find out she has half sister Patricia was great television. And whatever you think, she owned the episode rather than the tabloids.

It’s been a great ride and I wish her the best with the OWN Network, it’s a gamble but hey, life should be about gambles and no regrets.