“After 28,000 guests, 4,400 episodes and 24 years on the air, The Oprah Winfrey Show has reached its final season,” reads the November issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. I was riveted to the television when her show’s Farewell Season debuted in September.

I didn’t start out as an Oprah fan extraordinaire. My daughter, Tiffany, introduced me to the show. She would tell me about various guests or hot topics and I was intrigued. I watch very little television. Not because of any personal convictions against it, but simply because it can consume so much time. And I’m always the last one to own or use technological devices. But we had a VCR which even I could learn to program for taping Oprah everyday. Her show airs locally at 4:00 on weekdays, and when I wasn’t available, I could tune in later. Maybe technology can be my friend after all.

The 4:00 p.m. taping has gone on for years, and even though I’m told VCR tapes are passé, they work just fine for me. I’ve saved some select shows and continue as an ardent fan. I receive emails telling me about the week’s lineup and other pertinent information. When I see my family or friends’ favorite guests scheduled to appear, I let them know so they can watch.

I love when the O Magazine appears in my mailbox each month. I’ve subscribed since its inaugural issue and spend considerable time engaged in reading pleasure. I’ve saved articles and quotes for myself or to share with others.

So do I fall in the category of an Oprah groupie? Not hardly. I admire her intelligence, candor, and her ability to interview people from all walks of life. She’s help to create an awareness for me about situations I knew little about. Sometimes her show illustrates poignant reminders of my blessings. Other times it arouses in me a spirit of determination to alter my course. Oprah is not my personal guru for solving life’s problems or discovering my spirituality. But she’s introduced me to a wealth of information and perspectives.

When I’ve made less-than stellar choices, and regretted my decisions, I’ve found comfort and motivation in the words of Maya Angelou that Oprah often quotes, “When you know better, you do better.” When I’m considering the value of a product that promises quick weight loss and figure enhancement, I immediately think, if this truly worked, Oprah would tell her audience about it. She has the resources to produce or purchase any product, and if she’s not advocating it, I question its benefit.

For those shows that seem a bit risqué, she says, “We don’t do these shows to be a voyeur into people’s lives, but rather to learn from them.” And learn I have from health to religion to fashion to a renewed sense of purpose, and I’m a better person for the information.

When this 25th season of the Oprah show concludes, I’ll feel an unsettling void. Like when a good friend moves away, and we must be content with occasional visits. Oprah and I aren’t likely to meet for coffee anytime soon, but I’ll always value the knowledge and pleasure she brought to my life. To wish her success seems redundant, but I do wish her peace, joy, and continued purpose.