“Do you know what I told my kids every day of their lives? I mean, all four of them, whether I was angry or frustrated or sad or whatever, I… You know what I told them every day? ‘I love you.’ I wanted it to be clear to them, that’s why I told them.” – Zeek Braverman, “Parenthood”

March 2010, six months after the passing of my father, the show “Parenthood” premiered its pilot episode. During a time of my life when I have never felt so lost or so scared, this show became a place of comfort. Watching the raw inner workings of this relatable television family I found somewhere I could go every week and cry. An hour a week when I was allowed to cry and blame it on something else. An hour a week when I didn’t always cry because of what they were going through, rather I cried with them and let out my own tears that I fought to hold in from everyone around me, trying to hide my pain out of fear that I would seem weak. To many of you that will make sense. To many of you this may seem like the wrong way to grieve. But what I learned is that the word grief has no definition and no boundaries. Ever since that night in March, 2010 I have been one of the many that fell in love with the show and became a member of the Braverman family.

The ups and downs that this family has gone through over its six seasons on the air have been so real to me. I’m going to miss my Thursday nights with the Bravermans. I have to say that I’m going to grieve this loss like any other loss in my life. That may seem super cheesy to a lot of people but it’s hard to explain how many parts of this show have paralleled my own life. It has truly found its own special place in my heart.

So here I sit tonight, with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a box of tissues, ready to say goodbye to a BEAUTIFUL show that has taught me so much and helped me through more than I can put into words. As Zeek taught us above, tell people you love them EVERY DAY. Make that very clear.

Cheers, “Parenthood”! Thanks for the unconditional support, for being a “friend” to turn to that wouldn’t judge me and for all of the tears over the years. I’m not sure I would have gotten “it” all out without you!

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” – Angela Schwindt

Four years ago today I became an aunt. Not an aunt by blood but an #AuntByChoice. This is a title that I am very proud and honored to carry. Since that day my list of “nieces” and “nephews” has continued to grow and with it so has my heart. I don’t love any one of them more than another but I can say that Jackson Blaine McGee, being the first born, opened a part of my heart I never knew existed and gave me the title #AuntieLaLa.

Blaine, I hope that one day I can successfully articulate to you in a way that you understand how much your sweet voice, heart and smile mean to me. You have made so many dark days, bright and you continue to make me prouder and prouder as the days go by. You are so kind and so full of light and love and I am so excited to continue to watch you grow. Oh the places you will go! Happy Birthday, my smurf! Thank you for making me an “Aunt” and for teaching me what life is all about. I think that you are quite possibly the true love of my life! (And I was just kidding yesterday, I know that today isn’t your mom’s birthday, or your dad’s, or Lilly’s…today belongs to you! Oh, and your Aunt Melissa!)