All I will say is, I cried.
Okay, that’s not all. How about I explain. I think I need to process my reaction and I’m taking you along for the ride.
I’m talking about the CBC TV series Heartland.
I heard the sad news of the newest season. I cried just hearing it, not even watching it play out yet. In fact, I’m not sure I want to. But I will. It will be hard, but I will. In fact, when I watch season 13, I will probably cry all through it in anticipation of what is to come in season 14. UGH!
Am I crazy to admit how emotionally invested I’m in this show? Oh my goodness! What is wrong with me?
My interest in Heartland has actually dimmed a bit over the years. When I first discovered the show, I loved it and even got my husband watching it with me. As a new season came out, I’d eagerly await the availability on DVD and promptly purchase it. At the time, only seasons 1-4 were on Netflix, and not wanting to wait any longer than necessary, year by year I bought seasons 5-12. Somewhere along the line though, I started buying the seasons more for tradition than actual excitement to see what happened next. I stopped calling it my favorite show.
However, in light of recent events, I’m reconsidering its status. I’m reflecting on why a story line of this new season is causing me grief.
An argument can be made that it has been an especially emotional year with the pandemic and all, and my emotions are on edge. Understandable, right?
I could also make a case that I just like to cry. Okay, like isn’t the right word. Maybe I should say, it’s not uncommon for me to cry. I get emotional. Hey, it's a legitimate, healthy way to release stress. God gave me tear ducts for a reason! I will not apologize. In fact, we should all cry more and stop feeling uncomfortable when we see someone else cry. A little honesty and vulnerability is good for the soul.
While there is certainly truth in the above thoughts, I think there’s also truth in the fact that the producers of Heartland have done their job well. They’ve done something right if they've been able to move me to tears.
I can’t really explain it, other than to say, there’s power in good story telling. A good story draws you in and makes you care what happens. Even though you know they're not, the characters become real. The stories become real because, in a way they are. They’re somebody’s story. They’re examples of the stories we see and hear all around us. And, if we let them, good stories also can teach us something about ourselves.
Now, excuse me while I grab a few emotional supporting essential oils and order season 13 of Heartland. I already started to cry, I might as well continue the journey.
0 Comments