My hubs and I love us some “Parenthood.”
But please, whatever you do, don’t tell us about 2012 Camille and Zeek (always “Coach” to me), or Crosby and Jasmine, or Sarah and the kids, or any of the rest of them because we were late to the party and find ourselves a good season or so behind.
We’ve yet to catch up, no matter how many episodes we fit into a night. Not that we’ve watched more than three at a sitting.
More than once. Or twice.
Can I tell you how much we love this show?
The characters, the dialogue. This extended family that laughs freely, plays together, eats big meals together and really knows one another. This family that counts on sister, brother, mom or dad to speak truth, to hold one up when the fall seems eminent.
These people struggle to commit to what matters. They grasp for courage. Sometimes, they don’t say the very thing they should and say the thing they shouldn’t.
These parents overwhelm their children with their own emotions, become single-focused and miss the big picture.
These parents fiercely love their kids, ignore their kids, mess up their kids and ask forgiveness.
And I relate, oh how I relate, and I love them because they’re like us. Then, sometimes, I get sick of their weakness and want them to get over themselves already, and I yell at them through the screen.
But I love them, so I forgive them.
It’s what we do in families, right?
Today, my brain feels like overdone mush, full as it’s been with thinking — too much thinking, make it stop — activity and conversation, scheduling and life. Just life.
So tonight, I’m hoping for a good old-fashioned veg with the hubs, iPad streaming Netflix, shared looks and knowing hand squeezes, a Kahlua and cream and a few tears. (I won’t tell you which of us is most likely to cry at the joys and trials of the Braverman family.)
I want a good story, to enter life with characters I care about. I want to relate to other people’s junk and know (that if they were real) they’d be able to relate to mine.
It’s what I always want, really.
To be a good parent, a good woman, a good sister, a good friend. To create a good family with its own unique mess of beautiful. To live a good story.
And tonight, I expect it will feel mighty nice to watch someone else do that for a while.
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Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
Ahem…you said nothing about wanting to be a good daughter. So you think you’ve got that all locked up, eh? You think there’s nothing there to Work on? strive to Improve on? Well, I suppose you’re right. There isn’t. : )
So I don’t know the Bravermans Ashley, but I think I’d like to meet them…you’re right about this too – it feels so good to watch someone else living their lives for a while…it’s like one big sigh of relief, isn’t it? And I like what you said too about living a good story. : )
You’re right, Mama. I have no interest whatsoever in being a good daughter. Haha! Of course, of course — I always have so much to learn. I think you’d love those Bravermans, too, Ma. Did you ever watch “Thirtysomething” back in the day? I kind of wonder if there are some similarities there. The funny, the bittersweet, real life kinda stuff.
“To be a good parent, a good woman, a good sister, a good friend. To create a good family with its own unique mess of beautiful. To live a good story.” That sums you up in your own words!! And yes, a good daughter:) I love you!
Ah, thank you Auntie. :) Love you!
We are addicted to the Braverman clan, too!! So crazy, so poetic, so real to watch their lives. I also hope to create a “mess of beautiful” around here…I think I’m well on my way:-). Thank you again for some good words and a minute to virtually hang out with you. Love you, friend!
Yay! I love it, Nanc — these ways we can connect through the distance. Can’t wait to be with you non-virtually soon! Love you.
Ashley, I’ve been reading since October when Annie Normandeau posted your blog about necklaces being tangled. You are officially the only blog I “subscribe” to. And from joy jars to eyelashes to roller skating, I have enjoyed waking up my spirit. And know that Zeke can only be know as coach is something that makes me laugh so hard. But it’s the hints that I can’t ignore. At a time when my family is an especially unique mess of beautiful, I couldn’t help but finally comment on your words. ‘But I love them so I forgive them. That’s what we do in families right?’. Ashley, you truly hit the nail on the head, center mass. Forgiveness. I don’t know how you can have family without it. :)
Michelle, I am so touched as I read your words. That God would use my writing to help wake up your spirit is beyond humbling. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for reading the words I write. I am praying for you and your family as you continue to walk through the daily journey of forgiveness together. I love what you say, “Forgiveness. I don’t know how you can have family without it.” Amen, sister! May you know to your depths the love and grace for you as you walk that path.
And…go Coach!
Yeah, It may seem mundane, but somehow to watch someone else screw things up, in a way that you thought you had the market cornered on, and then to have the luxury of turning it off until next week without so much as another thought is, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks, reassuring and relaxing!
Isn’t that all so true? Thank you, Don. :)
Ashley-
This by far is my favorite show. They feel like family because we all have these people in our lives. We can relate to each of them. This family single handedly makes me want to add to mine so that one day I can stare down the large dining room table and see all the complicated and lovely and sometimes trying relationships unfolding. This show makes me laugh and cry each week and I pray to god it never ends!
Your writing is lovely by the way.
Thank you so much for your comments, Carrie. It’s great to see you here! You are so right. These characters are infinitely relatable. I love what you say about that long table and the great unfolding. I long for that complicated blend of beauty, too. Sending much love to you and yours.
HI Ashley,
just today read the feb. 3rd entry. :( Brett and I love this show too. Might I suggest Blue Bloods also if not already watching that too. They have the family dynamics too. so fun to see and learn from. Bonus this family is either Catholoc or christian. They show on screen the family praying at the dinner table :) such a rare thing these days.
Mike and I are apparently in such good company with our love of this show. I’ve never heard of “Blue Bloods.” We’ll have to check that out. You’re right, expressions of genuine faith are so rare on TV. Thanks for the tip, and for your comment, Tami. :)
Sorry have never seen the show. Will have to check it out. The ‘good’ daughter however, I can totally vouch for.
Ah, thanks, Papa. :)