Best of Luck and Prayers for a Media Mogul
Just recently, I watched the Lifetime documentary “Where is Windy Williams,” and I have to say this documentary broke my heart. Wendy’s struggle with substance abuse and lymphedema greatly upset me – and now, finding out that she has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is even more devasting.
I must share a beautiful encounter with the Queen of All Media. It was back in 2015 when I was promoting my books at an expo in Houston, Texas, where I met the talented talk show host.
The cover of my book, “Too Fat to Dance,” has a large woman bending down with a honeybun in her hand, which offended many women who attended the expo. My book is a comedy about an overweight female who beats all odds to reach her dreams. I felt horrible that these shoppers thought I was body shaming. After several hours defending my art, I left my booth and walked around the arena to shake off my anxiety about being judged.
I noticed a long line at a booth two rows behind my booth - and the beautiful author signing books was Wendy Willams! She was promoting her book, “Ask Wendy.” I’ve always loved Wendy. I would tape her show and play it early in the morning while writing. Just like Johnny Carson and Dick Cavett, Wendy Williams has the gift of making the viewer feel like a good friend. She is the type of friend who tells it like it is, and you love her even though sometimes you disagree. I was the last one in line to purchase her book, and she noticed the sad look on my face. She asked me if I was ok. I told her about the disappointing reactions to the cover of my book. We talked for about 15 minutes. This compassionate celebrity gave me the best advice ever. She said, “Don’t let people’s options dictate your creativity… I mean, look at me.”
We laughed, and then we exchanged books. Because of Wendy, I regained my confidence and sold several books that day! I will forever be grateful to the remarkable Wendy Willams, and I will never forget her advice.
Please join me in wishing this incredible person the best and keep her in your prayers.
- David
