Old Friends

Several years ago, my husband underwent some back surgery. Two surgeries actually, a month apart. While he recuperated, we couldn't really leave our small apartment much , and television basically became our entertainment. In particular, we became great fans of a show called "7th Heaven" which we continued to follow through many seasons.
I'm not a huge tv watcher myself. Before the hubby & I were married, the only tv I owned was used for my daughter to watch her favorite childhood videos. (Again, to protect ME, I won't specify which videos. She does occasionally read my blog.) I do follow "American Idol" and maybe a couple of other programs, but I prefer listening to music, or even peace & quiet. The hubby, on the other hand, enjoys tv a lot. He'll watch cars drive around in a circle all day long. In any case, we all enjoyed "7th Heaven", and we enjoyed watching it. Together. As my daughter grew in to the teenager, we were able to have a few of those delicate mother-daughter discussions with the help of certain episodes. Sometimes, if we were really fortunate, ABC Family would hold a "7th Heaven" marathon on Saturday!
I'm going to put myself out there now and risk being hauled away to the nice, quiet padded room where I get 3 meals prepared & delivered each day, and don't have to clean house, but I came to feel as if I really know these people. The story lines evoked real emotions in us. The hubby, the teenager and I talked (and sometimes still do) as if the characters were real people. While the series officially ended a couple years ago, there are reruns here & there, and you can sometimes find the dvd's online quite reasonable priced.
Recently our family has encountered some new struggles. We'll manage, with a little help from family & friends, and alot of help from God. But we, like a whole lot of families these days, are feeling pretty stressed. So today, we popped in some "7th Heaven" dvd's. After the first episode, I began to feel more relaxed. It felt familiar and comfortable, like old friends we haven't seen in awhile. And it brought us together, something that's been missing lately. So while endless hours front of the tv isn't good for anyone, an occasional family program or movie can have it's benefits.