Valentine's Day With Oprah

I've just returned to New York from doing a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show with Patti Labelle. The taping is a Valentine's Day special in which Oprah explores unconventional Valentines. Valentine's Day doesn't necessarily have to be for your spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend. It can be an expression of your love for a friend, family member, or as was proved during the show, even a pet. Too often in life, we do not honor those who we love and sometimes we take them for granted.
 
Patti managed to pay homage to two people during her segment of the show. First, she surprised a young man by joining him on stage to sing If Only You Knew. The Chicago native thought he would only be singing to his wife but got a shock when Labelle came out wailing and was moved to tears.
 
In the interview with Oprah, she expressed love for a special Valentine, Sammy Mckinney, who recently passed. Sammy was a great friend and excellent songwriter who wrote songs for Patti, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole and many others. Maybe he is most notably known for writing " I Love You Just Because" for stylist Anita Baker. " He was very special," said Patti.
 
I applaud Oprah for doing this show. I came away feeling fufilled that I had a part in helping someone realize their dream and spreading some love on what might otherwise be a drag of a day.
 
Tomorrow is not promised. If you love someone, please say it or do something for them today.