I was every woman in 1985.  Well, almost........just a girl from the Milwaukee suburbs....I was 30 years old, with four children, following my husband's dream.  I was a good daughter, a devoted mother, an invisible wife, and I truly just wanted everybody to be happy. Except, I forgot about me.   I just didn't have a huge handle on me, myself, or I..........my happiness, my comfort, my health, my wealth...the thoughts that put me to sleep at night, the thoughts that woke me up....I didn't really get the part of life that provided much instruction regarding personal entitlement.  But, the little people watching me everyday who needed to be happy and comfortable and healthy, wealthy, and wise superceded any need to have those things myself.  I did, however, find time in those long afternoons,  while babies slept and kindergarteners napped and dishes soaked while folding laundry and ironing shirts,  to watch a television show that changed my path.   At least, I think  I turned out a whole lot better than I would have had I not decided, years ago, that I was worthy of Oprah's tutelage at least, her friendship at best. She was just so darn happy, so full of life and loving herself, and I wished, on many afternoons, so long ago, that I knew someone like her.  Then,  ever so realistically, I determined that since Oprah probably wasn't going to have time for me, I would just make myself into the kind of girl Oprah would be proud of, so that someday, when she had the time.......I would measure up should Oprah ever find herself in need of a friend like me. I stayed in the marriage for 23 years, then ended it appropriately..... I spent nine years as a single mother in my forties, looking for and finding love...I went to college, adopted a child in need,  forged two careers, traveled with my children, wrote many, many letters to Oprah, and married my soulmate ....... today, I am 55 years old.........just a tad bit younger than my imaginary best friend........and I think she would be proud of me and the woman I have become..In true homage to Oprah, I need to say that I AM PROUD OF ME AND THE WOMAN I HAVE BECOME...................... .......I blog to share my journey during the final year of my favorite show........