Rebuilding a spirit...

Yesterday was one of those days that goes by in a flash, with no time for a breather. We started out early, and finally got home and settled down around 8 PM. My son and I sat together for the our daily chat. He had a program on the television called "Renovate My Family".
http://www.fox.com/renovatemyfamily/
At first I laughed and said to him, " Are you trying to tell me something? ". He replied that he had seen an advertisement for it and thought it might be a good show to watch. I was skeptical. Another reality based show. But watch it we did.
Its one of those shows that a crew comes in and redoes a family's home in a week. This family and the approach of the show was a bit different. The Blankenships had suffered a major loss. Their house had burned down, their little girl had lost her dog in the blaze. Most everything they had owned was gone.
The producers of this show, had the family walk through the house one more time, relating their feelings and allowing them to say goodbye. They began the demolition of the burnt out shell of the house. The family at first looking sad and reluctant, became involved with the notion of rebuilding as they watched their past become the future. Then the family was sent off in typical fashion to vacation while a massive crew sets about to rebuild the house. But this wasnt typical. The family did not just vacation. They confronted their loss. They were helped to set out to restart. The little girl was given the opportunity to choose a new puppy, giving her back a feeling of some control. The look on her sweet face as she embraced her new friend was priceless.
My favorite thing was that the father and son were sent to help another family get their house ready for the arrival of hurricane Ivan. It gave them a sense of giving, not just receiving. Pride, enabling, power of self. I love that. Charity is fine, I think , but giving something back, enabling those receiving to pass it on , is much much better.
It was one of those feel good moments in television. I have a feeling that the Blankenships will pass it on. They seem to be that kind of family. All in all a good night spend, quiet, watching a show, sharing the ideas and exchanging thoughts with my son. One of those otherwise taken for granted moments in a lifetime.
And for that I am grateful.