I had just picked up Iris from school when my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, so I almost let it go to voicemail, but then I noticed the caller ID said Burbank, CA. On the last ring I answer it and I hear, “Hi! Is this Sarah? This is (name withheld) from the Ellen Degeneres show.”
THE ELLEN SHOW?!
I still have no idea how they got my number, but I guess when you are Ellen you can find out just about whatever you want. He said he heard about Iris’ CVS birthday party and, since Ellen is always looking for positive, upbeat stories to feature on her show, he wanted to ask me a few questions.
ANYTHING YOU WANT, ELLEN!
He asked all about myself, my family, and the story behind Iris’ birthday party. He requested to talk to Iris, but she was stuffing her face full of M&Ms (from CVS, of course) and wasn’t quite in the mood to chat it up with a stranger. He wanted to set up a time to Skype with her later that evening to see what could come out of it, with the caveat that he “always likes to manage expectations” (AKA – don’t get my hopes up). So we hung up with a plan to Skype an hour later. And that’s when I realized…
I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO SKYPE!
I quickly downloaded the program, signed up for an account, and crossed my fingers I could figure it out when the call came. Then, my main focus turned towards getting Iris to cooperate. She was in a pitiful mood. Tired, hungry, whiney – JUST what Ellen is looking for, I’m sure.
At 6:30 pm (basically Iris’ witching hour) we Skyped with the producer. It went… not so great. Within seconds our talkative, hilarious, adorable little kid transformed into a scrunched up mute with her hands curled up over her eyes. When she actually said something, she whispered so quietly that I could barely hear her myself. While my heart was sinking, knowing this wasn’t going to work out, I just hugged her as she sat in my lap and we awkwardly finished the call.
She’s four. She has no idea what this is or what it means. And that’s okay. What matters most out of all of this is that Iris has a positive experience to look back on and I feel satisfied knowing that she does. The producer asked that we not take up any other offers for TV shows that may come our way, as they always like to be first, and that he would connect back with me the next day.
He never called.
I knew what the answer would be, but with as much as I love Ellen, I was still a little bummed that they left us hanging. Iris on the other hand, she’s just happy she can continue eating her M&Ms in peace.
this is so refreshing! there are quite a few “mom blogs” i’ve given up on because it seems like they force their kids to play along with media coverage, sponsored posts, videos, etc, when the kids seem tired, or cranky, or just not into it. i’m glad to have found your blog (via buzzfeed, of course).
Hi Sarah, I came across your little girl on my instragram feed. I am currently working for a new project that we would love to feature her in. I need an email to contact you for it can you help me?
Thanks
Ellen’s loss!!
I’d really liked to be on the ellen
Did they delete you off Skype? Did you ever think about skyping them back?
I sent a personal letter to Ellen is there any way will I ever now if she got my letter. I am in need of so help. I pray to god that she could just help us a litter. I think she is such a kind woman that I would be just like her if I could . We are getting older and I a afraid of dying with nothing . We don’t even have insurance. My husband is very proud and doesn’t want anyone to know. But I can see us giving up. But we have kids and grandkids, and it’s heartbeaking.
I love reading this article. Iris is ADORABLE! Ellen Show could have called you back, even if they where not going to use Iris on the show. That’s mean…😡
I have just sent ellen a message from Australia about my health problems and my wonderful hubby. do you think that she will respond to it? I’m curious about how many people are able to get a response from her
Ellen please call me i want tickets for your show for my birthday next sunday i will be 41 years old please call me back at 9515430062 please and thank you
Me name Spencer luff from St george ontario Canada call me on
Hangout
Me mo
m na
me 5192415988 Tracy and me dad name Ted luff 5192407132
Ellen hi my name is Margaret Bogus I am in need of help for my grandson Zy,’ Draus he want get to have a Christmas this year I haven’t told him yet because I really don’t know how I just don’t have the money to get him anything he say Nana I going to have a good Christmas I am saying to my yeah knowing he want have a Christmas I am hurting inside because I don’t have money so he can have a bless Christmas there is nothing under the tree but maybe 4 empty boxes with nothing in them he think they are gifts for him they just empty boxes I warped please for the grace of God somebody can help me give him a Christmas in Jesus name I pray thank u my number is 704 963 0967 help in Jesus name thank
I am 8 and i want to dance i live in canora 6 east avinew
It is me again my house number is 214
That’s a cute story. All kids at her age are always shy in or out of camera reach, but then you have the ones who love to show off in front of a camera. Even some act like it comes natural to them.
Hey. That made my day. I wrote to Ellen DeGeneres. Do you think she will respond? Thanks!
I honestly really hope that my 2 letters get her attention! They cover two extremely important topics that could possibly save someone’s life… 1st mental illness awareness and how important it is to love and support each other no matter what there gender religion race, we are all equal! And the other is our systems foster care and adoption process!! Too many kids are being abused in every way you could think of and are too scared to say anything because of the possible consequences.. how do I know! I was one of those kids and I have to live with permanent physical and emotional scars for the rest of my life! The physical scars have caused some health struggles and other complications that effect my everyday living. If I can at least get this horrific inexcusable treatment towards the kids in the foster system.. and make sure that there are no more kids getting abused or taken advantage of! Kids needs to have a voice and be heard! Orpha kids have no one to trust or ever have that feeling of being safe! Most Americans take that feeling of being safe and comforted by their family for granted. I lost my whole entire family in less than 10 minuets back in my country.. and if you are questioning my life experiences you can easily look it up on google.. Romania civil war 1986-1991.. I was one of those kids in that horrific orphanage that was constantly put on the news. And my adoptive mother didn’t realize how bad my living condition was and that I developed this disorder known as Reactive Attachment Disorder also known as RAD. This disorder is more of a defense mechanism for us… we are usually too scared to let ourselves get close to anyone but occasionally we can get an emotional attachment to certain people… but as soon as we feel scared or unsafe to feel that bond we can completely distance ourselves from that person. And that’s from years of being conditioned to be that way. My adoptive mother didn’t understand that and gave me away to her parents for most of my childhood into my mid teen years… and most of high school… I started getting abused by a family member for a few years and couldn’t say anything to anyone because this disgusting person threatened to hurt my grandparents.. the only people that loved me unconditionally, I loved them so much I went through the sexual abuse just to keep them safe and alive. The school somehow found out and then my adoptive family. The worst part is when my adoptive parents refused to press criminal charges against this monster.. I was under age.. I wish I could tell you that that was the worst of it.. but I’d be lying.. I technically lost my virginity unwillingly at the age of 4 and a few months.. with all the sexual abuse I have miserably gone through I have permanent scars inside me and will have those constant reminders of me wishing I was dead But with everything I went through and all the hell I endured I honestly don’t regret any of it. Because it made me who I am today and I am so grateful for my life and the experiences. I can use my knowledge and understanding of what I went through to help others and show them their not alone. I will say that I do hope that one day my adoptive parents realize that I am important to people and that I do matter! My needs are important and that I’m going to make something out of myself! If it’s not music then it might be giving others out there a place to feel safe and heard!
Hi. Ellen. . Ian. Sending you a letter again. Your wonderful terrific. A star. What. Can I write. .like I’ve before would love to be on your show!
You are my favorite actor.ive never asked for anything in my life ive had hard life would love to come to one of your show but have money proplems if you ever help with fixing homes up i really good use some help.my husbands kindays went out .if ever u know anyone that good help us plz keep me in mind .
Ellen, I am 75 and have been praying for you to help me with my GoFundMe account. I have a hole in my left ear drum and need surgery to fix it and then a hearing aid. It is more than my insurance will pay. It is over $5,000.00. I am a small S.S. check and can’t pay for it. I already have a problem hearing. Please help me by supporting me. My phone number is 864-999-6533. Please I’m begging you to help me with this.
Ellen I know and Sarah I know it would sounds definitely completely dumb but I miss a call from Ellen a while ago and I don’t know how to share my story now or even if I can do you think I can Sarah
Hi