Original Air Date:
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Most Memorable Guest - Ted Haggard:
With nearly 28,000 people interviewed in 23 seasons on television, Oprah has encountered many memorable guests. The first person to update was Ted Haggard, who last appeared on the show January 28, 2009. After his appearance, Oprah received a mix reaction from viewers - while some were supportive, many felt that he was in denial about being gay. Ted and his wife Gayle appeared via Skype to share what has happened in their life in the last 3 months.
Ted shared that since the controversy and appearance on the show, his relationship with his wife, family, friends, and church leaders have been better than ever because of being honest. 2.8 million people have visited the Haggard's website and the couple have even started speaking in churches to help couples learn how to strengthen their marriages on their worst day. The couple shared that the honesty in their relationship has brought them greater intimacy, and they have been supported by so many warm and friendly people since their appearance.
Much of the resistance Ted received after the show came from the gay community, wanting to hear him acknowledge his sexuality. Ted shared that his process is unique and different and he does not fit in the box of completely homosexual or denying his thoughts as the Christian community wished he would state. Ted did share that he feels God loved everyone, regardless of their sexuality, and is for all. The couple is continuing to work on their financial situation and feels that their is a light at the end of the tunnel - grateful to be healing as a family, together.
Most Memorable Guest - David Smith:
Most people still vividly remember the story of Susan and David Smith who made a plea for their children to be returned to them on November 2, 1994, only to find out that Susan had been arrested the following day for their murder. Oprah first spoke to David on December 1, 1999, 5 years after the death of his young sons, and both had difficulty making it through the emotional conversation. When David returned May 22, 2002, he was a proud father again to a daughter, Savannah, and made a promise to not be afraid to love her because of what happened to his little boys.
David appeared via Skype on the show, nearly 15 years after the death of his children. With a long road of sever depression and suicidal thoughts behind him, David admitted that he is doing ok, though still works on making it through every day.
David shared that he has not talked to Susan in 15 years, though at times he wishes he would to tell her the pain she's put him through and to ask her why. Not wanting to give her the satisfaction of thinking she still crosses his mind, David would rather just be living proof that he's still standing.
David's children, Savannah (8) and Nicholas (6), remind him of Michael and Alexander in some ways, but he kept his promise to not let his pain get in the way of loving them. When asked if his children know about Michael and Alexander, David shared that he only tells them what they need to know to satisfy their questions, but that he will have to eventually figure out a way to tell them the whole story. David ended his interview by sharing that he still visits his son's graves regularly, but still thinks of them as 3 and 14 months in his heart.
Most Memorable Guest - Jenny Boylan:
When Jenny Boylan sat down with Oprah, it was not the first time viewers had to opportunity to understand the life of a trans person, but it was definitely one of the most memorable. Jenny began life as Jim, was a married professor with 2 sons, and shared with his wife, DeeDee, that if he did have a sex change he felt he would die. On April 29, 2005 Oprah spoke to the couple about their unique decision to stay together. On the show, Jenny expressed her gratitude for her family and for their support, while DeeDee shared her grief at the loss of her husband and intimacy because she was not a lesbian.
On October 12, 2007, Oprah shared a letter from the couple's older son, Zach, who was 13 at the time. In the letter he expressed how he didn't remember being a normal family, that it was tough at times to be different, but that he also felt like the luckiest kid on earth.
The family appeared on the show via Skype, 10 years after Jenny's transition. Zach shared that he doesn't remember when Maddy (Mom/Daddy) was not a woman since he was 5 at the time. Jenny and DeeDee announced they had recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and have settled into a normal, happy life together as a family.
Most Memorable Guest - Mary Winkler:
When Mary Winkler spoke to Oprah on September 12, 2007, she still couldn't explain exactly why she killed her pastor husband, but she did share that even though she felt that she was sexually abused, she still loved the father of her children. On the show, Mary felt that her kids should be returned to her for the simple fact that she was their mother. After 5 months in prison and 2 months in a mental health facility, Mary was released. Viewers responses varied from women who could relate, to people who felt like she should get what she deserves.
Oprah updated that Mary was awarded custody of her 3 daughters and is living in Tennessee where she works at a dry cleaners.
Most Memorable Guest - Jeff Bailey:
Oprah once called Jeff Bailey the most determined man in Mississippi. With his weight at one time reaching 800 pounds, Jeff was working to lose more weight when he spoke to Oprah on January 14, 2008 weighing in at over 600 pounds.
Checking in on the show via Skype, Jeff shared that he has lost another 100 pounds and is looking to be under 500 pounds for the first time since he was 21 years-old. Jeff's goal is to reach 270 pounds, though he does not have a date set of when he would like to be there. Grateful for the changes that have happened in his life since his weight loss, Jeff is now teaching a water aerobics class at him gym and helping others reach their goals.
Most Memorable Guest - Monica George:
Many people fondly remember the story of Monica George as one that inspired them to be grateful in their lives and look at each day with a thankful spirit. Monica shared her story with viewers on September 24, 2008 and surprised everyone with her determination to take care of her family after having both her arms and legs amputated. Oprah was happy to announce that Monica had recently had her 38th surgery and was home recovering with her loving family.
