Original Air Date:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Guests:
Oprah welcomed the following guests to the show:
- Ashley and Blue - daughter and son-in-law of Melanie and Bud Billings of Pensacola, Florida
- Stephanie and Christian Nielson
- The story of Rick and Christina
Show Summary:
How would you cope if your life was completely changed in an instant? Oprah explored this question with her guests who have been faced with enormous challenges, but managed to rise up to meet them. Ashley and her husband Blue and caring for her parents' nine special needs children after they were brutally murdered in their home last summer. Stephanie Nielson survived a plane crash that burned 80% of her body and pushes through ever day to help raise her four children. 15 year-old Christina was on an airplane headed for a shelter when she met a man who would change her life. Life - changed in an instant.
Special Highlights:
This episode featured the following highlights:
- Ashley and her husband moved into her parents home to take over raising their 9 children.
- Struggling financially and without answers, the couple presses forward to step up as parents.
- Stephanie was put into a coma for 3 months to allow her burns to heal, but is now working on recovery and is home raising her children.
- Viewer Andrea spent a day at the Nielson home and was inspired to be a more present and grateful mother.
- Christina sat next to Rick on a flight and shared her story of moving to a shelter, only to be found by him 10 days later and adopted.
What to Take Away from the Show:
After viewing this episode, it was hard not to feel a rush of gratitude and inspiration to live in the moment regardless of the circumstances that life can hand you. While Ashley's story of loss was very tragic, she spoke clearly about feeling her mother's presence with her, urging her to continue caring for and loving her siblings. Stephanie shared a choice she felt she had while in a coma to either move on or move forward with struggle - she chose the harder path for her family. Christina's story goes to show that life can present a world of possibilities, if you are open to receive them.
