In the late 50s I aspired to follow in the footsteps of John Beresford Tipton, Jr. If the name rings a bell you are most likely retired or about to be. If you’re much younger or need a reminder, Tipton was a fabulously wealthy man who gave away one million dollars, every week, to a total stranger on the popular TV series, “The Millionaire.” The recipient was always in financial need and was both surprised and grateful when the cashier’s check arrived. In my very early years I vowed to be a just like him.
As a nurse, I never made it to Billionaire Land. But someone else showed me another way. A modern-day Tipton—a woman who rose from rural Mississippi poverty to become the only Black billionaire. Yes, I’m talking about Oprah Winfrey. Oprah, like Tipton, is a philanthropist—someone who wants to make the world a better place through charitable deeds.
I often wonder if Oprah started out with the dream of becoming a humanitarian once she achieved fame—or if she was already those things when she had nothing. I surmise that she evolved from a caring child who wanted more from life—for herself and for others. Some would say that she’s been blessed. I don’t know about that. I always wanted to be a mother yet I’m childless. Does that mean I wasn't blessed? Or that you weren't?
To say that Oprah was blessed kind of makes me cringe. I think deep down inside we all want to be a philanthropist. We want to make good, have a home, have a dog, and we want to share what we have with others.
Oprah has inspired the heck out of me for a long, long time. She made me proud of my meager education that gave me forty-five years of doing what I often loved to do so much that I felt guilty accepting a paycheck. And since I retired, Oprah gave me the inspiration to create stories about people burdened with unreasonable hardships—the same people with whom John Beresford Tipton, Jr. shared his wealth.
I didn’t go to school to learn to be a writer. I don’t have any of the coveted writer’s credentials, but I’ve been blessed by some beautiful people who have dealt with some pretty rough times. These people echo through my stories.
I call my writing engaging. To me it’s the same thing as doling out million dollar bills. My writing is just as strong a calling as nursing. Hopefully my stories will, as Oprah reiterates…make a difference.”
As a nurse, I never made it to Billionaire Land. But someone else showed me another way. A modern-day Tipton—a woman who rose from rural Mississippi poverty to become the only Black billionaire. Yes, I’m talking about Oprah Winfrey. Oprah, like Tipton, is a philanthropist—someone who wants to make the world a better place through charitable deeds.
I often wonder if Oprah started out with the dream of becoming a humanitarian once she achieved fame—or if she was already those things when she had nothing. I surmise that she evolved from a caring child who wanted more from life—for herself and for others. Some would say that she’s been blessed. I don’t know about that. I always wanted to be a mother yet I’m childless. Does that mean I wasn't blessed? Or that you weren't?
To say that Oprah was blessed kind of makes me cringe. I think deep down inside we all want to be a philanthropist. We want to make good, have a home, have a dog, and we want to share what we have with others.
Oprah has inspired the heck out of me for a long, long time. She made me proud of my meager education that gave me forty-five years of doing what I often loved to do so much that I felt guilty accepting a paycheck. And since I retired, Oprah gave me the inspiration to create stories about people burdened with unreasonable hardships—the same people with whom John Beresford Tipton, Jr. shared his wealth.
I didn’t go to school to learn to be a writer. I don’t have any of the coveted writer’s credentials, but I’ve been blessed by some beautiful people who have dealt with some pretty rough times. These people echo through my stories.
I call my writing engaging. To me it’s the same thing as doling out million dollar bills. My writing is just as strong a calling as nursing. Hopefully my stories will, as Oprah reiterates…make a difference.”
Author of TRANSMUTARE, BAGGAGE, AUSPICIOUS DREAMS, and CHILD OF MY HEART
Great site, Shelia. Your are an amazing person and I remember the first day we met. Good job on your video. I'm looking forward to following you on your blog. Judy
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Judy! I remember the day we met, too. Two unpublished writers hoping for a contract!
DeleteWelcome to the wonderful world of online yakking. Hope the rest of the reading world discovers your books.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rick! That will be a glorious day indeed! And same to you!
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