Dear Oprah

... and staff,

My friend and I recently attended a taping of your show. When I received the phone call from Julie on the "Audience Team", I was MORE then excited to be able to accept the tickets that I had "willed" the day before.

I love Chicago, and to be able to go to the city, and see you, was a big deal for me. My friend and I got new outfits, facials, fancy dinner in the city, all in preparation for our exciting event! We were "Hoping" and "willing" for a great show. The audience members always look like they have a great time while in your audience, so we were practicing our "expressions". We wanted to look natural, but not scary so that the cameras wouldn't break. While in the "holding room" we met other women, who also were practicing their expressions. We had so much fun getting to know these HILARIOUS girls. We also enjoyed all the clips of past Oprah Shows that were shown. It pumped us up for a great show! We got seated, watched the staff scramble to get everything together, then were also pumped up by a producer. We were ready... this was going to be great! We were excited! We could not wait!

Then, we heard the topic... "Special Investigative Report by: Lisa Ling, Tent Cities". Ugh... For real? So, we sat, and listened to the stories of Home Foreclosures, Homeless Families, and other people struggling in this awful economy. The show was to say the least, A DOWNER! As I watched the family that carried everything they owned around in big garbage bags, I felt rather shallow for my new outfit, and my new cute hair color and all the other things that went into bringing me to see your show. Then, there was a very special woman in the audience that could barley stand up to tell you her story. She was old, tiny, frail, and beautiful. She talked about her amazing triumphs in her life. The huge hurdles she has had to jump. I could feel of her beautiful spirit. I took a piece of her with me. It brought tears to my eyes as she was escorted to your side on the stage, and then you hugged her, and posed for pictures. I could tell, that when she leaves to live with our maker, she will happily say, "I met and received a hug from Oprah". Was I disappointed that I wasn't on the episode where you give away all your favorite things? Yes, of course I was. Was I depressed during the show, because my husband and I are trying to sell our house in this economy, and you weren't giving away mortgage pay-offs? OF COURSE! But I, was touched by you, and your beauty, inside and out. You are a special person, and have touched so many people. In this case, I was also touched by someone, who I am sure you have touched before, which I wasn't expecting. Thank you for your grace! There are so many amazing, happy, and uplifting stories in this world, and I hope to return to your audience in the future to participate in a show of joy, and peace.

Love, and regards,
Kirstynn Evans