Oprah's influence has touched readers' lives

Oprah Winfrey, the monarch of daytime television, has taped the final episode ever of her talk show (it airs Wednesday). For 25 years, Winfrey, avatar of the national psyche and high priestess of the self-empowerment movement, has ruled the daytime airwaves by inviting celebrities and statesmen to her couch for friendly tête-à-têtes watched by millions of loyal followers.

As lesser members of TV royalty plot to seize Winfrey's crown (Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper, "Judge Judy" Judith Sheindlin, queen of nice Ellen DeGeneres and jester Regis Philbin), daytime television might never again witness an uber-personality like Winfrey. With hundreds of cable channels and thousands of Internet sites vying for our time, it is becoming ever harder for an individual to command a common audience of shared interests and empathy.

But Winfrey didn't just rule the media and the masses (though certainly, her book-club picks and "favorite things" proved beyond a doubt she has the Midas touch) — she also touched a lot of us on a deeply personal level.

The Seattle Times asked readers how Winfrey has influenced them over the years — and while we received a few not-so-surprising "Not at all" responses, as well as some thoughtful criticisms of Lady O, most of the 100+ replies were sincere and reflective, and some were downright poignant.

These few, however, were just amusing:

• "Before Oprah my life had no meaning. Only through Oprah can I function properly. I do not know what I will do without Oprah. All hail Oprah."

• "I joined Oprah's book club, and now I only read fictional nonfiction." (Ouch. Take that, James Frey.)

• "Because of Oprah's generosity, I have spent many hours thinking of how to introduce myself to her, via a letter, and ask her for money."

OK — here's a sampling of the more-poignant ones:

• "When Oprah came to Seattle in May 2003, her words literally saved my life! Having just left a relationship where my partner was addicted to meth, I left with nothing, and my heart was empty. The universe knew what I needed that day, and she was the vehicle. Since then I have attended four of those weekend seminars and keep getting filled with the knowledge that has changed my life." — Christian Tore Johnson, Olympia

• "A selfish and personal impact: As a result of Oprah's introduction to Twitter, I tried it. Forgot about Twitter almost immediately. Several weeks later, an email alerted me to being 'followed' by my ex-husband. I was stunned — hadn't heard of or from him for 20 years. I choose to believe he'd not have found me without Twitter. And I was inspired to investigate Twitter because of Oprah. A happy ending: We reunited and have been happily together for the past almost-two years. Thanks, Oprah."

• "She got me to read more. I read 'The Grapes of Wrath,' which was on her book club, and became hooked. I have rediscovered the pleasure and wisdom of reading literature." — John Peterson

• "The way I remember it, Oprah was the first truly rich high-profile celebrity to change the focus of her life and her show. The message was, 'I have enough — now how can I use my show to positively influence others and the world?' That was a powerful — and new — message. Millions tuned in each day to learn about spirit, community and our better selves, diverting the focus away from the antics of hosts like Jerry Springer. A true sea change in daytime television. Because of Oprah, philanthropy became cool. Courtesy, too. ... " — Patty, Seattle

• "The day in May in 1993 that Oprah featured two gay men adopting a baby changed me forever. My 17-year-old son revealed that he was gay. Fear and panic gripped my heart. What would happen to my family? Would we implode? Would my son be safe in high school? Would we be rejected by friends, church and neighbors? I wanted the show to rewind and start again. Oprah, however, was calm, interested and nonjudgmental. I held onto that peace in the years to come. After a period of discernment, my husband, Bob, and I became advocates for the civil and religious rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. While Bob raised finances and worked at home, I joined Soulforce, a national organization to stop spiritual violence in faith organizations. Trained in nonviolence, I participated in civil disobedience, which led to multiple arrests and jail time. All of this because I sat down one afternoon 18 years ago and watched an Oprah show. Oprah's nonjudgmental demeanor gave me the courage to try to step up and make a difference, and for that I give thanks."

• " 'Make a Difference.' This was Oprah's theme for one season about 5-7 years ago. Every time I'd tune in to a show and hear her say that, I'd feel bad because I wasn't making a difference like so many of her guests were. ... Then, one day as I was driving to my children's elementary school to volunteer, I had my epiphany. I was MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Every week when I volunteered in my children's classrooms I was making a difference in the lives of the children ... in the school's library ... in my children's teachers' lives ... No, I did not have a broad impact in making a difference like the guests on Oprah's show, but in my own community, the difference I've made is huge."

• "Oprah came from a family that did not care or want her. I know exactly how that is. I grew up ... with a so-called mother that would tell me from a very early age that she didn't want me. ... As an adult, when the walls would begin to cave in, I would think, 'OK, this (is rough), but Oprah is out there, and she has made it big. I can try to carve out a better life. Oprah gave me strength and hope."

• "I was grazing channels, I believe, around 1996 or 1997. When Oprah had a list of 10 things that indicated compulsive behavior. ... I remember her saying, 'If you are doing 2 or 3 of these things, you should be evaluating your lifestyle.' I remember being shocked that I was doing (for years) eight out of the 10! I was ironing washcloths and towels so they would look perfect on the shelf. I thought you were supposed to iron (your) husband's boxers with crisp fold. ... She was so clear that day, I thought she was speaking to me directly. ... It was a miracle to catch that given episode. I have never forgotten, and found the strength to get myself and my son ... out of a BAD marriage and into some GOOD counseling and start my life over." — Kathleen Baron, Tulalip

This story includes information from the Los Angeles Times and Seattle Times features staff writer Sandy Dunham.