My wife and I were both ill a few weeks ago,, which led to an entire day of rest in bed. While so doing my wife happened upon the old TV show we both watched as kids called “Leave It To Beaver.” It was a day-long marathon of Theodore’s (Beaver) adventure as a boy. The main characters are his mom, dad, and brother, Wally. The series ran from 1957-1963. Beaver was about eight or nine years old in the first season we watched. His older brother Wally is around 13. Watching the simplicity of the storylines was actually refreshing compared to our modern-day series. There was a moral to the storyline, and the relationships in the family served as the principal plot. I know that some people think that stories that center around the nuclear family are not realistic. Nobody came from a family like the ‘Cleavers’ they chime. But I did. It wasn’t a perfect family, but my Mom and Dad clearly loved each other and, more importantly, respected each other. And it showed to us ten kids. And…they loved each one of us, and we felt it. Families can function like that. It is not something of a fairytale. Even if you didn’t come from a home like the Cleavers, it doesn’t mean you can’t form a great functional family when you marry.

The one thing that stood out to me, though, was how Wally, the older brother, was always looking out for his younger brother. When Beaver did stupid things, Wally didn’t lose his cool and yell. He was always trying to help his brother work his way through a problem primarily caused by Beaver. After my wife and I watched a bunch of the shows, I turned to her and said, “I love it that Wally is always nice to Beaver and is always trying to help. It is so refreshing to see that.” Then I pondered for a minute and thought about how my brothers had supported me throughout my life. They have always wanted the best for me. And I have felt that love. I told my wife, “I have ‘Wallys’ for brothers.” And just saying it made me thankful. Perhaps you have a ‘Wally’ for a brother! If so, let him know. Please don’t leave it to Beaver; tell him yourself!