How Ted Lasso Helped Me Process My Dad Dying
Meghan GriffithShare
Trust me, I realize how bizarre the title sounds. The irony of a comedy show aiding me in processing death is not lost on me.
A year ago, my dad passed away. He wasn't particularly good or kind. We endured a tumultuous relationship for 15 years and were estranged during the final 3.
Thanks to therapy, I had already dealt with the loss of my father and our strained relationship years before he passed.
Recently, as I rewatched Ted Lasso in anticipation of its third season, certain elements became more apparent, particularly Ted's experience of losing his father.
One particular scene stood out: when Dr. Fieldstone asks, "I hear all the reasons you're mad and why you hate him, but what did you love about him?"
It's such a simple question, but was so interesting to think about. I could vividly recall all the reasons why we grew distant, but I genuinely struggled to come up a single fond memory.
So I sat there, lost in thought... and thought... and thought. Eventually, I managed to recall a handful of instances.
One of the fascinating revelations I've encountered in recent years is that multiple truths can coexist. He was not a good person, yet I still hold onto a few fond memories.
I've stopped trying to make everything an either-or scenario. Both aspects can exist simultaneously, and sometimes for me, that's more difficult to accept.
So if you know someone who worked on the Ted Lasso show, tell them thanks for me.
This is also your friendly reminder to support the writers of these incredible shows. Their work is unmatched.
A year ago, my dad passed away. He wasn't particularly good or kind. We endured a tumultuous relationship for 15 years and were estranged during the final 3.
Thanks to therapy, I had already dealt with the loss of my father and our strained relationship years before he passed.
Recently, as I rewatched Ted Lasso in anticipation of its third season, certain elements became more apparent, particularly Ted's experience of losing his father.
One particular scene stood out: when Dr. Fieldstone asks, "I hear all the reasons you're mad and why you hate him, but what did you love about him?"
It's such a simple question, but was so interesting to think about. I could vividly recall all the reasons why we grew distant, but I genuinely struggled to come up a single fond memory.
So I sat there, lost in thought... and thought... and thought. Eventually, I managed to recall a handful of instances.
One of the fascinating revelations I've encountered in recent years is that multiple truths can coexist. He was not a good person, yet I still hold onto a few fond memories.
I've stopped trying to make everything an either-or scenario. Both aspects can exist simultaneously, and sometimes for me, that's more difficult to accept.
So if you know someone who worked on the Ted Lasso show, tell them thanks for me.
This is also your friendly reminder to support the writers of these incredible shows. Their work is unmatched.