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Johanna Smith's avatar

Such a wonderful story and great tribute to Ty. Sounds like it would top the best places to work list. I grew up in Gary, Indiana right across the lake. And felt special that we in the Chicago media market got to see the show in the morning before the rest of the world. I still remember the phone number to call in the early days for potential guests. 312-591-9111.

jen randle's avatar

what a beautiful love letter to wake up to. 🥰

Karla Torres's avatar

Your joy and the power of this story was so visceral, for a second I felt like a former Harpo employee! Wow - how special.

Brown Girl Angels's avatar

Literally couldn’t think of a more inspiring beautiful and very human post to start the work day! Amazing storytelling too xoxo

Kevin Stuckey's avatar

so glad it inspired you too!

Lauren Waring Douglas's avatar

I promise y'all I don't come on here to be your hype man, but I GOT to give flowers where flowers are DUE! It was a joy to read this as it unfolded. When you introduced Mr. Ty at the top I frfr thought: "My Lord. God said to Oprah Imma use you, even to bless the man in the garage. Mm" And then I thought: "Self just read and be quiet." Until I saw through the story: "No, God really used Oprah to bless the man called Ty in the garage! And guess what? Ty got to bless her in so many ways!" One of the many gifts that came to me through that show was that it encouraged me to pray for my future workplaces. I wasn't smart enough to realize I was praying at the time--but the opportunities that came to me after praying? Those were the jobs that had that feeling of togetherness and sincerity that you describe. I hope you encourage people to pray/meditate/do smoke signals over their future job opportunities because it works, and while there may be no cameras around your workplace, it truly is possible to have that kind of encouraging work environment around you. I hope y'all continue to have reunions, even as they dwindle, don't matter!

Kevin Stuckey's avatar

praying for future workplaces is key! I love that. this type of culture is our portion.

Crystal Wyatt, LMT's avatar

I don’t know why this article resonated so deeply with me. It brought tears to my eyes. It may have been because after recently quitting a job that I had hoped to love I am reminded that some workplaces aren’t toxic and people actually care about the work and each other. I also believe the tears are because I loved the O show and it’s good to know she created a work culture that people actually enjoyed! Thanks for sharing!🤎