Petitioning Parenthood

Last Tuesday I watched the season finale of Parenthood with my heart in my throat. The story line went pretty much exactly as I thought it would. Aside from one moment the entire episode showed nothing but the rainbows and unicorns fairy tale that we would all like to be the only truth. Everything in the episode was perfect - not just for Julia, Joel and Victor but for all of the Braverman clan. Christina's cancer is in remission, Crosby and Jasmine are pregnant AND they made up with her mom, Drew got into the school of his dreams, Ryan seems to have mastered his PTSD and he and Amber have gotten back together and Victor is fully adopted by Julia and Joel in a very touching scene where the entire family tells the judge just how happy they are that he is joining their family. I am sure many a tear was shed by Parenthood watchers over this scene. It was heartwarming. 

I would have been annoyed by it but somewhere before the episode ended I came to realization that it had a very series finale feel to it. I paused the show and looked it up and sure enough the show has not, officially, been renewed for next season. While most things I read said the producers were confident I am willing to say that this episode was written in a make everything perfect because it might be the end mentality. I'm okay with that. Real life does not always have happy, perfect endings but I am okay with my TV shows doing so. I mean we all wanted Kevin and Winnie to get married, right? Who cares what they did in real life - we want the show to end making us feel good. So, should last Tuesday's episode be the end of the Braverman's I'm glad they got a happy ending.

Should it not be the end of them I would like to see the Victory storyline continue with the same raw, realistic, often untold qualities it has taken on this past season. So, I have made a petition and I would appreciate it very much if you would sign it. Whether you are another trauma mama, or a friend/family member of one, or simply someone who cares enough to want to help I would appreciate your signature. Head here and sign - please. I will be sending it to the writers and producers of Parenthood along with the following letter -

Dear Writers/Producers of Parenthood,

I have been the mother of a child with RAD - Reactive Attachment Disorder. My story is long and complicated and is somewhat beside the point right now. I am writing to discuss Victor's ongoing storyline for the fall. I am writing to ask you to please continue his storyline as it has been this past year. 

Many of us with children who have attachment difficulties, children who have similar backgrounds to Victor's - children who come from early childhood trauma - have watched this past season and been very grateful for the job you have done in bringing light to some of these issues. For me personally, the episode where Julia is making breakfast, burns the toast and winds up in tears was like seeing myself. I have had those feelings.

I have been very happy with pretty much everything you have done with the storyline. In writing it the way you have you have started to bring light to the very real issues that can occur in adoption - particularly older child adoption. There are many moms, some I personally know and many that I do not know but I am still sure are out there, that have watched your show this season and now know they are not alone. That is such a powerful thing. I would like to see you continue addressing those issues because for many children, most even, the issues do not go away simply because the adoption has been finalized. Not only that but for a significant number of children the issues get worse. I do not have a child with Asperger's Syndrome but after watching your show I feel I understand what it is like to have one. I would love to see you do for adoption and attachment what you have done for Asperger's.

Rachael Moshman says, "I don't want to see everything solved once the adoption is finalized. Many kids actually struggle more after finalization. I would hate to see the adoption finalized tonight and they come back next season with Victor as a perfect, well-adjusted, securely attached kiddo and everyone be thrilled with their relationship with him." in her article for the examiner.

Attachment issues are a very hush, hush, don't talk about it kind of thing. Parents who are willing to discuss them are often shunned. The world dismisses the issue itself more often then not. Your show can help rid us of that stigma. It can create a level of understanding and acceptance that little else can. 

Please accept the attached petition as evidence that there are many of us watching your show that would like to see the same thing.

Sincerely,