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…..
****NOTE: This interview with air beginning on Wednesday, April 12th on Sirius XM Radio. The show schedule is
Wednesdays–EST, 5 am, 1 pm and 7 pm
Saturday–EST, 6 pm
Sunday–EST, 7 pm
If you do not have a subscription to Sirius XM Radio, you can access via internet with a free, 3 day trial–visit
http://www.xmtrial.com/oprahlp_free/index.jsp for more information.