Aloha kâkou,

This is D from your Remembering Your Spirit segment of Oprah's TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE show, December 2, 1999, who is "dancing cheek to cheek with her father even after his death":

My heart is overflowing with Aloha and Mahalo for the beautiful Remembering Your Spirit tribute to my Dad and Morrie you created.

I was deeply impressed with the professionalism of Jillian Straus, associate producer, who did the pre-interviews with great sensitivity and an empathic ear. Her gentle urging dispersed my initial ambivalence about sharing my personal story at a time when my emotions were still tender.

"There are many who will identify with your loss, and you will help them by sharing your experiences with your father.  Do it for them," she said. "Do it for your dad."

The filming experience was fascinatingly fun and novel. Bob Bates, field producer; Henry, camera-person; and Marla, sound-person, were joys. They spent four hours filming at the office and at my home, working hard to get the sound and light just right. They were especially fun to be with, especially when we gathered around a platter of sushi served up by my husband, T. 

Bob took some footage of my dogkids and my dear husband -- who patiently took our dogkids on long walks around the block so their barking wouldn't interfere with the filming. But the segment is only so long, and that footage landed up on the cutting room floor.  So they are not excluded from this experience, here's a photo of all three:  

My husband , T, and our two pups, 
`Oli & Freddy.

On the day the show aired, we rearranged the schedule at work, so we could be sure to tune into the show at 3 pm, PST.  My terrific staff, supportive and loving through those difficult times, surrounded me and we watched the Oprah broadcast together, with nods, smiles, hand-holding and through tears.  

My work family: 
Back row: Cecelia, Mary Lou, T
Front row: Justin, Larissa, Don, Emma, D, Tipkakorn

Bob and the Harpo staff produced a beautifully -- and yes, poignantly -- produced segment, complete with unexpected touches that tugged at my heartstrings. The show will be a family heirloom for me, my siblings and their families. As a touching, yet joy-filled remembrance of a father and grandfather who was much loved, now deeply missed, it will be cherished for the rest of our lives.

I returned home to a long string of voice mail messages and a full In-box of e-mail.  I was showered with encouragement, good cheer, and heart-to-heart sharings of "Morrie experiences." Jillian was right.  They identified, and yes, were helped by the sharing. You can be sure that they will all be watching the movie.  As I am, they will be grateful that you have brought this book to life and into their lives with your movie.

Although I was hesitant to wear my heart on my sleeve on a forum as public as yours, right now, I am grateful that I did.  I was given the opportunity to share my positive experience with Morrie's story which dovetailed so well with my father's. It has been a healing experience.

I also like to think that Morrie and my father worked on getting me to do this, so they could see themselves dancing on national TV.  I wouldn't put pass either of them.

Mahalo to all of you for your warm embrace, 
D