After 6 years one of my favorite TV shows is over - Parenthood. As I watched it last night, I sobbed. The finale - like most Parenthood episodes - evoked every possible emotion: joy, heartbreak, hope. I think it's the hope that kept me watching all these years.
Six years ago, Norrin was diagnosed with autism. I didn't watch Parenthood in those early days of autism. And as the show became popular - people kept suggesting I watch, "The have a boy with autism - you should watch it." I gave in and I think binge watched the first 2 seasons.
I will admit, in the beginning Adam and Christina annoyed me. I hated their feelings about autism. Like it was this horrible thing. I guess in a way, I felt jealous of them. Autism almost came easily for them. Max got his diagnosis and they got an amazing home based therapist. Then they were able to get him into a private school after 1 school interview and there just happened to be an open space for Max. And when Max didn't succeed in the public school system - they started their own school. (Do y'all even KNOW how hard any of this is? Well, some of you may know.)
But I understood them too. Their frustrations. Their worries. Their victories.
The episode that I always think about is from Season 2 - "Qualities and Difficulties." Adam takes Max to the amusement park. But the roller coaster that Max wants to get on isn't running and he has a full blown meltdown - screaming, crying. Adam is overwhelmed. He wanted to do this one "normal" thing with his kid. But "normal" doesn't come easily. It was a big moment for Adam's character. It was that moment when Adam finally got it. And from there he was able to move forward.
What I love about Adam and Christina is how differently they feel when it comes to Max. It's honest and relatable. Many of their arguments over Max are similiar to ones that I've had with Joseph over Norrin. Raising a special needs kid can feel like a constant tug of war. How long do we hold on? How much are we willing to let go?
Over the years, I've seen Adam and Christina grow as a couple and evolve as special needs parents. I've witnessed Max' progress. I have cried for him. I have cheered for him. And I have hoped for him.
I know many autism parents refuse to watch Parenthood, "I live it, I don't need to see it on TV." And I get that. I do. But I am so grateful that Max' character existed. I am grateful that the writers showed the ups and downs of raising a kid with autism. I am grateful that they showed their fight for acceptance in the school system. Because when people who don't have kids with autism, watch Parenthood - they are more likely to understand my day-to-day.
I feel like I have walked this journey right alongside Adam, Christina and Max. I have felt all of their emotions. I have had to work through my own moments of accepting autism. And I've had my moments of pride and joy. And Max' final scenes gives me something to hope for. Because when you're an autism parent, hope is the thing you cling to.
What was your favorite moment of the Parenthood finale?
Labels: Atypical Mami, Autism Parenting, My TV Shows, Parenthood
