the-golden-girls

Picture it: Boston, 2016.

A young mother collapses on the couch after a long day chasing her children around the house. She is exhausted, and all she wants to do is curl up, eat some cheesecake, and watch her all-time favorite comedy about four senior women living together in Miami. Over the next 30 minutes, she enjoys reconnecting with her favorite characters, quoting along with the show, and laughing until she cries. As the episode goes on, however, she begins to realize that these four distinctly different women have something to teach her about life, friendship, and motherhood. She ends the episode feeling happy, relaxed… and just a little wiser.

That young mother is me. And that TV show is “The Golden Girls.”

Anyone who knows me will tell you how much I love “The Golden Girls.” I began watching the show when I was in junior high school — and I’ve never stopped. I like to say I loved Betty White before it was cool. I even got the chance to see Bea Arthur perform her one-woman show when she came through Houston. I’ve seen every single episode at least four times. My two favorites are the ones with Sonny Bono and the Cheese Man. And in case you’re wondering, I’m totally a Rose.

What’s incredibly remarkable is how this show stands the test of time. I can’t go a day on Facebook without some article, meme, or merchandise about the show popping up in my newsfeed. Seriously, the Golden Girls action figures debuted at New York Comic Con this year, and I had three different people tag me about it. And while Bea, Rue, and Estelle have sadly passed away, Betty White continues to be America’s sweetheart. I think the show’s longevity can be credited to the amazing comedic talents of the four main actresses, as well as stellar writing. But so much of it also has to do with the fact that while these characters are oftentimes over-the-top caricatures, each woman has so much heart. Their vastly different personalities complement one another and help us all to see life from a different perspective.

In their own unique ways, each character has taught me lessons on how to be a better mother:

blanche_devereaux

From Blanche:

  • Self-care is important. Treat yourself to a pedicure every now and then.
  • Always keep the spice in your marriage.
  • You can be sexy at any age.
  • Motherhood doesn’t come naturally for everyone. However, no matter the mistakes you make with your children, it’s never too late to fix them.

betty-white-1992-golden-girls364do0506010

From Rose:

  • Animals can be a part of the family, too.
  • Don’t be naive when it comes to your children growing up.  
  • Wisdom is translated in many different forms, even through stories of a little town in Minnesota.
  • Children steal our brain cells. Thankfully, a cheerful smile and an act of kindness can make up for a lack of common sense.

dorothy-zbornak

From Dorothy:

  • Protect your children like a fierce mama bear.
  • But don’t be afraid to show tough love and give them a push when they need it.
  • Don’t let your husband take you for granted.
  • Challenge yourself and those around you to be the very best they can be.

sophia_petrillo_estelle_getty

From Sophia:

  • Tell stories to keep memories and traditions alive.
  • Don’t play favorites. Make sure your children know how they are individually special to you.
  • Be good to your children. They’re the ones who choose your nursing home.
  • Your children won’t always make choices that you like, and they will make mistakes. Support them through their trials and love them fiercely.

Above all, “The Golden Girls” reminds me that my children will not be young forever. For now, the days are long, but the years are short. My children will eventually grow up and move on with their own lives. And when that happens, my life will not end. I should continue to grow, continue to learn… and always treasure my friendships.