SPECIAL INTERVIEW with DR. MAYA ANGELOU!

On Tuesday, July 14,  at 10:30 am, I received a call from a producer at Oprah Radio.  She explained that she was calling me on behalf of the Dr. Maya Angelou radio show and they wanted me to do a phone interview with Dr. Angelou that afternoon!   What????!!!  Me???!!!  I was told the focus was how our family led us to establish The Next Stop.

It happened to be bowling day with The Next Stoppers,  so I had to be ready and available to answer my phone when it rang.  About 2:40, the call came in—I stepped outside (of course) and waited until it was my turn, all the time listening to Dr. Angelou interview another woman ahead of me.  Here I sat, in the parking lot of the bowling alley, under the shade of a tree, but in the heat of the day, with my eyes closed so I could hear as clearly as possible……..and after about 20 minutes, I heard Dr. Angelou say…..

……. “a couple in Georgia…..3 kids…2 developmentally disabled….no social programs at age 22…..started a group that plays volleyball, etc. and socializes……all helping them to feel worthy…. called The Next Stop Gang” and it was time for me to say, “Hi, thanks for having me.”   I do remember saying “I’m thrilled to be able to tell you about The Next Stop” and she said “Well, why don’t you go ahead….”   And I was off and running ……

Besides a time when I wasn’t sure I was hearing her clearly, I think it went ok.   But what an honor to hear such encouraging words and positive comments from such a wonderful, spiritual woman.  As the interview was ending she told me she’d be praying for The Next Stop and to thank my husband and volunteers. Wow…..