Episode 1 - Leaving the Nest

Our season opener has Daughter buying her first home - a fixer upper, a diamond in the rough.  Even though she will just be up the road, the struggle is real for her parents, especially when they drive by and see a bathtub outside on the front lawn with a "HOME" sign next to it.  The feeling of not being needed is magnified as Daughter has a "special friend" - carpenter by day, firefighter by night.  Kitty Hero is every girl's dream and every parent's dream for their girl.  The only thing missing from this picture is a dog.  No, wait!  Morph and Judy also become fur grandparents to a bouncy, hyper, very talkative and loveable border collie/lab mix. 

Episode 2 - Stay Away

As empty nesters, Morph and Judy, adjust to their new normal, everything around them shuts down -  including church.  Preacher Man now has to adjust from speaking face-to-face to an audience of 80 to speaking to a camera, his wife and dog in his home...awkward.  Bloopers abound.

Episode 3 - Help

As life in their area starts to reopen and people emerge from their dens to see the sun, Morph and Judy realize Daughter still needs them.  Supper time coordinates well with her drive home from work and hugs are gathered at these meetings.  The house also requires some attention - order might be the better word.  Renovations with A.D.D. means everything is on the go, but nothing is completed.  Good thing Mom and Dad have some experience and are there to lend a hand.  The family learn they still need each other even though they are not under the same roof.

Episode 4 - Leave of Absence

Morph is hospitalized for a couple months during the summer due to extreme anxiety and possible PTSD.  Thankfully, his case is given to a very attentive doctor who changes medications, sets-up counselling, and establishes other contacts for future reference.  Preacher Man makes a hard decision to step away from work for a time.

Episode 5 - Healing

Upon Morph's return home in August, Judy reaches her breaking point.  She is consumed by overwhelming hopelessness, bitterness, and anger.  The seemingly put-together couple is reduced to a pathetic, blubbering mess of misery.  They admit that even at their lowest, they have felt a "Presence" that has kept them going one step at a time.  The Comforter is holding all their broken pieces waiting to put them back together.  The next few months become a time of grieving (past and present situations), forgiving and healing.  The process is ongoing, the journey daily.  Spirits are lifted and set free; anger and bitterness washed away.  Hearts open again, smiles and laughter are becoming a constant, and each day is a gift of grace.

Episode 6 - The Adult

Judy celebrates turning 40 and deals with not being able to sit at the kids table anymore. 

Episode 7 - Good-Bye

Charlie, the chocolate lab's, best friend is diagnosed with cancer.  The family says, "Good-bye" to little Angel.  Joy is restored when a new pup moves in - another rescue to love.  Charlie decides this new guy is okay and teaches him how to play.

The family also says, "Good-bye" to Little Sister as she embarks on her first deployment.

Episode 8 - Reflection

December arrives.  The tree is lit, the stockings hung and snow has finally blanketed the grass.  The year 2020 is coming to a close.  A year of quarantines, masks, hand sanitizer, toilet paper shortages, chaos, death, and bad news.  Through so much negative, the empty nesters have much to be thankful for.  They reflect on the truths and lessons they learned and really grasped hold of.  The concepts that could only be received through times of testing.  They choose joy knowing that it is through this that love, grace and hope abound.  Especially now, as it is Christ they are celebrating:  Christ who is love, grace, and hope for the world. 

The nest may be empty, but not forgotten or needed.  The love between Daughter and parents has developed more and they cherish the times spent together.  (They still need to share her with Kitty Hero).  The family looks forward to what the next year will bring: more COVID-19 vaccines, Daughter going back to school for a career in nursing, a slow back-to-work plan for Preacher Man, a 25th birthday milestone, to name a few.  There will be new surprises and new challenges for the empty nesters, but they are ready.  They are ready to face each new day with their ever present God, Father and Jehovah Jireh (Provider).  For now, in this moment, they will cherish today. 

Merry Christmas!