I admit it -- I don't watch Oprah. But so many people told me about Montel Williams' March 17 appearance on her show that I had to get my hands on a copy. I heard it was an extremely powerful piece about multiple sclerosis.

Immediately, I was startled by Montel's outpouring of raw emotion as he spoke of his MS progression. Repeatedly breaking down in tears, the former marine and all-around tough guy described his road to diagnosis, battle with depression, suicide attempt, and chronic pain. At times I completely forgot that I live with the same disease, so drawn in was I by his circumstances and brutal honesty. 

Weeks later, still haunted by the segment, I decided to write about it. My intention was to point out the most unusual and intense way in which MS was portrayed -- highlighting one man's reality with this disease. 

I also wanted to point out a few factual errors. Oprah didn't seem to have much knowledge about MS, nor did she take charge of the interview. The doctor who appeared on the same show made some odd statements that truly demand clarification. A follow-up show with an MS specialist is definitely called for. 

But a funny thing happened on my way to writing that article. Searching online for a clip to share, I became completely sidetracked by reading the comments on this topic posted across the blogosphere. (Oprah's site does not offer the clip, but does provide a transcript). 

A lot of people who watched were rightly concerned about misinformation and set about to correct errors. Now it's not those errors I want to address, but reaction toward Montel Williams personally. Apparently, many who viewed the Montel/Oprah interview were angry at Montel for his very public display of emotion. 

Mr. Williams deals with crushing depression, a common symptom of MS, which lead him to thoughts of suicide and at least one attempt. He says things may have been different if he had been made aware earlier on that depression is a symptom of MS. That doesn't make him an unacceptable role model. It makes him a human being who, despite MS and serious depression, chooses not to hide. 

Looking back on his own talk show days, Montel spoke of having to lengthen commercial breaks in order to rest from the constant pain and burning sensation that plagues him 24/7, reaching from his shins to his feet and has now affects his face as well.

He follows a strict regimen of vitamins (lots of them), exercise, and healthy diet. He demonstrated his daily injection, a constant reminder of his condition. "Can't I just forget it one day?" "It" being a disease without an obvious cause or cure, and allowing for little control. "I'm tired of being sick." 

Saying "I can't run anymore -- running is gone," he continues to work out every day in order to stay as strong and healthy as possible.

What really hit home for me was his description of how his wife, Tara, "has the ability to get her arm under mine and make me look like I'm holding her and drag me to another place." Those of us with loving care partners understand what that's all about.