I am a huge fan of television pilots.

Case in point: Parenthood. As we know, I adored the entire run of this amazingly well written, acted and yes, even styled, family drama. In fact, I loved it so much, I wrote about it when it went off the air and I was having Braverman withdrawal. 

But oh, the beauty of that first episode. They hadn’t really settled on the style yet – the set was a little rudimentary (ya know, because budget) and the theme song was off. Thank God they resolved that. And since we saw the series all the way to the end, the characters in the pilot all look like babies. Young, hopeful, excited. Much like, I’m assuming, the actors. Some were already well known but for others this show made their careers. They had a lot riding on one 40 something minute trial episode.

Every once in awhile, in life, we’re presented with that new story. The new adventure. The unknown places and people.

That’s us, now. We’re moving. Really far. To another state that isn’t Texas. That is, in fact, Georgia.

We’re starting new jobs (new leadership role for me that’s not totally final yet so keep fingers crossed, new airplane for Scott). The kids will all be in new schools. New neighborhood. New hair stylist. (although I did tell Ludy, my friend and amazing colorist that maybe she could come visit and stay in our guest room every 6 – 8 weeks. Ludy, I’m serious as a heart attack about this).

The thing about a pilot is nobody knows if the series will be a huge hit or if it’s just the pilot and they’re done. And here’s where my analogy breaks down a tad because in our case . . this is REAL LIFE. The pilot is all we hope it can be but how the story actually unfolds?

We can’t possibly know. And as I’m sure you know if you’ve been there . . .I’m terrified.

Scott and I aren’t just starting out with nothing but chances to take. We’re rather far along in this journey and we’re taking 3 somewhat reluctant teenagers and 3 dogs along for the ride. And the fear of choosing the wrong path is paralyzing. I’ve lost a lot of sleep.

But ultimately,  I have faith in the author and creator of our story. He’s directed us well through each scene, been patient while we learned our blocking, and even inspired us when we needed motivation. And I know he will continue to do so in the next grand adventure.

It may not be what we expect, but I know it will be a story worth watching.