Parenting has been recognized as a full-time job for decades by parents as well as others who simply comprehend the life-long duty of responsibilities, and concerns which a parent takes on. From the moment of conception, a parent is born as they begin to prepare themselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually for their journey in parenting. And through this journey of parenting, the true joy begins at birth. Once a child is born into the world it is an over-whelming emotion of joy, love, and happiness. And to say the least, it is a miracle.
There are many women in this world who understand the importance of a parent without ever having a child. Oprah Winfrey is a perfect example of one who understands the important role a parent has in a child's life. It is true that the world is who raises our children, and not just one or two persons. It's true that our teachers, doctors and nurses, priests, community leaders, etc. contribute to our childrens education, well-being, and happiness. She understands the needs for the child as well as the needs for a parent when it comes to raising a healthy and happy child, instilling good morals, a good education, a well balanced family environment, financial responsibilities, and so on. She also knows that due to her personal commitment to her television show "Oprah", it is best not to have any children. In doing so, she would be spreading herself too thin, and her child, herself, and the t.v. show would suffer as a result.
However, Oprah is the type of woman who holds the characteristics which a warm, loving, and caring mother would have. Because of those characteristics, naturally, she has found a way to allow herself to fill an important need in the world. A way to be a mother to children who have been less fortunate, who need her. That has been through the "Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls South Africa". It opened in the start of the year in 2007, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The academy received 3,500 applications, however, 152 Girls who are less fortunate between 11 and 13 years of age were accepted into the academy. "I love these girls with every part of my being. I didn't know you could feel this way about other people's children," she said.
In March of 2001, the academy suffered a tragedy when they encountering sexual violence and harassment. Like the many acts of violence we have here in the states which families experience much too often, Oprah was a mother of heart-break as well as a victom of the press whom plastered the news across our nation. Oprah acted accordingly as any loving parent would do in this type of situation. And parenting, as we know, has it's challenges of many kind, and unfortunately she was faced with one that lays heavy on the heart of a mother. However, due to this experience, she has not only learned how to handle the situation for the children's sake, but also how to cope with it from a parents point of view. Oprah is a very strong woman, and didn't allow this too bring her down as a person, a parent, or an advocate. She stood high and stood strong, and fought her way through. She was not going to allow this violent act to shatter her children's hopes, and dreams, or her own.
We all have a purpose in the world; not including labels (such as a television host, doctor, etc.) which is usually what defines what our profession is, and not who we are as a person or what our spirit longs to fill. And Oprah is a wonderful example of a stand-in mother for hundreds of girls, a blessing from God, and an inspiration to other women who seek to fulfill a void of motherhood. Her high profile, and fame is simply a fragment of who Oprah really is as a person, and as a woman. And it is women like Oprah who everyone should recognize, honor, and share their gratitude for the blessing which they have been for us. They help fill the gap between all important roles in a child's life. And it is through doing so that our children will also be grateful, and one day pass along the blessing of giving to others as they mature into fine adults. Our children are our future, as we always say; and we must join together and care for they all as our own.