Thanks, Mom

When I was a very little girl, my mother bought a new television so that I could watch “Sesame Street.”

And thus, my love of television began…

But my mom didn’t quit there. When I was in fifth grade, I had to be in bed by 8 p.m., except for Tuesdays when she let me stay up and watch “The A-Team.” And in September when the show had its two-hour premiere, I was allowed to stay up until 10. This was, after all, before VCRs.

When I was in eighth grade, we got our first VCR, and my mom used it to tape “Another World” for me every day.

Now, before you accuse my mom of being a bad influence, I should point out that I did manage to graduate Summa Cum Laude from both high school and college, so clearly the TV didn’t warp my brain too badly…

And when I finally moved out on my own, I don’t think I have to tell you who bought me my first “TV Guide” subscription.

Yes, when I look back on it, I don’t think there’s any question that it was my mom who ignited my love for television…

However, we didn’t really love the same shows. She watched all the procedurals—“Law and Order,” all of the “CSI” shows, “Without a Trace,” “Cold Case” and, of course, her beloved “NCIS.”

When I was younger, it was all about “Family Ties.” So it was only appropriate that last week, the “Today” show featured a reunion of the “Ties” cast.

I also remember that Mom (and Dad) loved “St. Elsewhere.” Of course, that was WAY past my bedtime. But when we got our VCR, Mom taped it for me. I remember her urging me to watch the series finale so she could see if I loved the way it ended as much as she did (I think we were the only ones on the planet that thought it was great.).

Mom didn’t like anything tawdry—although she got a good laugh out of “Two and a Half Men”—but she did make time for “Knots Landing” every week. However, I think that’s just because she had a thing for William Devane. And why wouldn’t she?

As I’m sure you’ve figured out, my mother passed away while I was gone last week. And I miss her more than I could possibly tell you…

But because she gave me my love of TV, there’s no doubt that she would want me to continue to share that with all of you.

So if you enjoy my blogs, don’t thank me. Thank my mom...

I know I do, for that, and so much else...