Parent flying the coop...

coskat · 04-21-2008, 08:12 PM

If anyone watches Brothers & Sisters, what are your thoughts on last night's episode...
Sally Field aka mom decides not to move to DC with her new love because adult married dtr Calista asks her to stay because she "needs" her. I realize this is only a TV show but I thought the subject of parent leaving/ not leaving the nest/ family home interesting. Here are adult children with full lives of their own getting their shorts in a bunch when their widowed mom considers leaving them for a chance at happiness with a new companion ( danny glover). Frankly I was rooting for her to go to DC to the lovely townhouse & sailboat not to mention a smart & caring companion . Oh well family first I guess. It captured how children want lives of their own but don't want their parents or family home to change. Any real life stories?

3bm103 · 04-21-2008, 09:07 PM

I love that show. I must say, however, that I would have done the same thing. But not because they asked, but because I wouldn't want to leave my children, my family and my friends for a man. I don't even want to retire to a warm climate with the man I have now. I've built a whole life here. I don't want to start over at my age.

notre dame AL · 04-21-2008, 09:20 PM

As the product of divorced parents (divorce occurred during soph yr of college) almost 35 years ago, I can tell you that I was hoping that she would stay and have some type of long distance relationship. Stay at the house in DC during the week, fly home for the weekend. The best of both worlds, I guess! You cannot imagine the pure agony that I went thru when parents were divorcing as I was in college. And, while I know that this was not the topic of the show, I guess that what I witnessed and gleaned from the show was that children want stability-even if it is only one parent that can offer it. Call it selfish if you want, but stability is what keeps me grounded and it did more than 35 years ago as a college soph when my own mother decided to remain in our family home after a divorce. She has since moved on--but, at the time, I sensed that she did it for my sibling and I. I know also, that this was just a TV show, but thank goodness for its return--the writers' strike lasted too long!

MomofWildChild · 04-21-2008, 09:21 PM

Sally Field should have gone to DC and come back to CA for the winters. However, it would have wrecked the show.

CBBBlinker · 04-22-2008, 06:24 AM

Agree with MoWC. As much as I don't anticipate ever being in Sally Field's exact situation (well, who does, really?), I'd also like to think my children wouldn't ask me to stay. A more realistic scenario in our house would be if H & I move to someplace else right after S finishes college -- so D & S wouldn't be "coming home."

Youdon'tsay · 04-22-2008, 06:42 AM

"It captured how children want lives of their own but don't want their parents or family home to change. Any real life stories?"

When the kids realized that Nora had bought lasagne instead of making homemade pasta, I laughed as it reminded me of when I caught my mom cutting corners on her "homemade" tortillas. For as long as I could remember, mom would boil water, measure flour, scoop out three fingers of shortening, etc., while making her tortillas. They were such a treat. She talked about making stacks and stacks for her siblings growing up (she had quit school in eighth grade to help raise the other dozen). Anyway, one time while I was visiting my parents, about 20 years ago, I was looking for a certain pan and moving things around in the cupboard, and I reached for the tortilla warmer. It was unusually heavy. I open it up, and there is an opened pack of White Wings tortilla mix!!! BUSTED. You wouldn't believe how guilty she felt for having "cheated" for years now. And you wouldn't believe the fuss my two siblings caused. I thought it was hilarious, after I got over my initial shock. And I kind of admired my mom for finally cutting herself some slack! She's spent her whole life catering to others.

Personally, I knew Nora would never leave. She needs her children as much, if not more, than they need her. I'm counting on a long-distance romance for her and DG's character. It's the best of both worlds -- co-dependency continues, and she gets to go sailing with the guy!

coskat · 04-22-2008, 08:40 AM

I agree, I don't see why a bi-coastal relationship wouldn't work. Also, he could have move to California, I'm sure he could get a teaching job in one of the many great colleges there.

I get the family connections that would keep Nora there as that is the main crux on which the show is built but I guess it irks me that the "children" couldn't be as selfless when it comes to considering a parent's needs as parents are expected to be when it comes to letting their children go to have their own lives. It would have sat better with me if her kids gave her their full blessings and then she decided to stay for her own reasons not theirs. (of course that would eliminate conflict & that isn't not good TV). I do love the show and cast though and don't think we've seen the last of this story line.

MomofWildChild · 04-22-2008, 09:19 AM

I'm more interested in the relationship that is about to happen between Justin and Rebecca. I suspect it turns out that William is NOT her father, so she and Justin are not related. (do I need to get a life???)

coskat · 04-22-2008, 11:40 AM

"do I need to get a life???"
you & me both!

Youdon'tsay · 04-22-2008, 11:42 AM

Me three!

I missed the beginning of the show. Why did Rob Lowe suspend his campaign?

notre dame AL · 04-22-2008, 12:12 PM

MomofWildchild--I enjoy watching these shows now-only child is off at college; never had the time to feel like I could indulge myself! I am also looking forward to a new Grey's Anatomy this Sun. Glad the writers strike is over!!!! Perhaps I need to focus on getting life!!!

3bm103 · 04-22-2008, 01:35 PM

Because his opponent got the needed delegates for the nomination.

You need Tivo!!!

Youdon'tsay · 04-22-2008, 01:48 PM

Tivo? I don't even have cable!!!

MomofWildChild · 04-22-2008, 02:37 PM

We are having trouble even WITH TIVO (actually Replay TV) because there are shows that conflict and if we aren't home to watch one we need to be recording two at once.....
Also looking forward to a new Grey's.
October Road is excellent- not on right now, though.

3bm103 · 04-22-2008, 03:21 PM

I love October Road too. We had to get a new Tivo when my husband decided he couldn't live without HDTV. Now I'm glad we did because it records two shows at once. So I watch something that is saved while it records two other shows and I never have to watch a commercial again.