Why I Love Rosie O'Donnell (And You Should Too!)

These days, Rosie O'Donnell is quite the controversial celebrity. This is a far cry from the stand up comedian,star of "A League of Their Own" and daytime talk show host from a few years back. Her well publicized spats with Kelly Ripa, the producers of American Idol and of course, Donald Trump are front page news of every tabloid magazine and entertainment news show. She evokes strong emotions either for or against on every topic she chooses to speak about.There is one reason for that. She speaks the truth.

Her truth. The truth how she sees it. And the truth is often difficult to hear. Whether Rosie is talking about Gay marriage or the war in Iraq, her passion and truth are conveyed so intensely, you can feel her integrity. This is a woman who is not afraid of media backlash. Fearless in expressing an unpopular opinion. I applaud that.

I admire her openness with regards to her battles with depression and weight loss. This is a real woman. A woman who has suffered loss, loneliness and pain. Despite achieving great success and more wealth than most of us could ever dream of, this is a woman who you feel like you could sit down and tell your problems to, and she would understand. I encourage everyone to read her autobiography, "Find Me".

Rosie O'Donnell lost her mother to cancer at the age of ten. I too, lost my mother to cancer. When she speaks about being a motherless daughter, it is my emotions she speaks of. My pain that she is expressing. Rosie is a mother of four. She is raising her children without the priceless guidance of her mother. Unfortanately, I too am a member of that club. A club you would never volunteer to join, of which there is no declining of the invitation.