I completely missed the first season of This is Us. It wasn't until after it was over that I started watching it "On Demand" and quickly fell into the addiction of loving a show so much that I now don't miss a week. The writing, the acting, the whole concept of it is extremely well done, and it certainly causes the viewer to pause and reflect on relationships and life.
And so, it's no wonder that a certain scene has stayed with me throughout this past week. (Don't worry. This isn't a spoiler if you haven't seen this past week's episode yet.) It was a scene where Randall's birth father, William, found himself at a young age up against a sentencing. The judge took a chance on him, letting him off with only the charge to think of him, see his face, hear his words, if and whenever William found himself in a situation that might cause him to break a law.
When I first saw that scene, I thought it was a great visual for a person who may be struggling with anything. It was a great reminder that we can hear words of wisdom from anyone we encounter, from any walk of life, from anywhere within our path.
And it was within the same week where I experienced this scene for myself from a friend and mentor that has become a blessing to me through my journey of parenthood. This friend is someone with whom I study and grow spiritually and is someone who has been there. She's been in my shoes, and walked the same challenges as me. And because of that, she is one that I trust with advice and wisdom when I feel at a loss.
Now with children in college, she not only makes me feel like I'm not alone, but she also offers up her experience. And perhaps because her latest advice coincided with this powerful scene, since that conversation I've thought of her, and I've seen her caring face each time I was faced with my parenting challenge. And I realize how grateful I am for those that have walked in our shoes who share with us such valuable advice.
So as I walk through my life, I hope to be that person to others, and keep my eyes open to continuing to learn from those who cross my path. We have so much to learn from one another, and showing our support and understanding with each other is the first step to acceptance and caring and love. Because we've all been there, or we're on our way there. And because I can see that, I know I'll never walk alone.
