Slice of Life Story Challenge #11 - How Do I Love "This Is Us"? Let Me Count the Ways...

It's the March Slice of Life Story Challenge at Two Writing Teachers!

     "Why would I want to watch something that makes me cry every time?" someone asked me.

     I paused.  This baffles me.  Why WOULDN'T you watch something that makes you cry?  Don't you want to connect to something so strongly that it touches you...time and time again?  Of course, this is someone whose favorite books are the sad ones (I've written about that before), but I attempt to answer.  "Because it's about living and dying and hope and family and love and disappointment and grief and resilience and forgiveness and goodness and flaws and redemption and...."  I could go on and on.  Hmmm.  Maybe that answer was a bit much for her, but it's about all the things that make us human.  It truly is US.  And it's BRILLIANT writing.  

     Since I've tried so hard to get everyone to watch this show, I'm finally making a list.  How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways...

1. I love thee because you teach us that hope can spring from grief.

2. I love thee because you teach us that people have the unbelievable capacity to forgive.

3. I love thee because you teach us that family is the heart and soul of life.

4. I love thee because you teach us that communication is necessary.

5. I love thee because you teach us to slow down and pay attention.

6. I love thee because you teach us that children love freely and unconditionally.

7. I love thee because you teach us how to connect.

8. I love thee because you teach us that we are more the same than different.

9. I love thee because you teach us to commit to each other.

10. I love thee because you teach us that people can be good even when deeply flawed.

11. I love thee because you teach us that love conquers all.

12. I love thee because you teach us that you can laugh through tears.

13. I love thee because you teach us that the past is important, but it's the present that counts.

14. I love thee because you teach us that a tender and kind heart can change the world.

15. I love thee because you teach us people can always make the choice to do better.

16. I love thee because you teach us everyone has a story.

17. I love thee because you teach us you need to do what you said you were going to do.

18. I love thee because you teach us to care for one another, no matter what.

19. I love thee because you teach us to roll down the windows and crank up the music.  Grow out that fro.

20. I love thee because you teach us that you can take the sourest lemon that life has to offer and turn it into something resembling lemonade.

     I could keep adding on, and I suspect that as the season comes to a close on Tuesday, it will teach us more.  Thank God there are a lot of people that love this show as much as I do because it will be coming back!  So...if you're not watching yet, I highly recommend that you binge-watch and catch up between seasons.  Yes, you'll probably cry.  But it's worth it, and you'll realize why.