Thank You, Tim Allen

Last fall I was unexpectedly hospitalized twice, resulting in a three and a half month absence from work. I needed a difficult surgery which was followed by a long recovery time.  None of my doctors had seen a case like mine in twenty years of practice.  

Shortly after my first hospital stay I also found out that my cat was dying.  Spending time with her was a huge blessing while I was sick, but caring for her and keeping her comfortable was also an added challenge because I had to quarantine while I was waiting for my surgery.

These were the biggest challenges I had faced since the passing of both my parents.  

During that period watching Last Man Standing  gave me much needed opportunities to laugh.  Two of  my favorite episodes were the first and the last.  Seeing Mike readjust to life at home in the beginning, and seeing how Mike's family supported him at the end made me laugh so hard I cried.  I was able to forget my frustration and pain and stop mourning the loss of missed time with my family and friends and the students I teach.  I quickly learned the only thing I had control over was my attitude. Your efforts and the efforts of all the people who worked with you gave me a much appreciated rest from my fear.  Watching the Baxters and all their people navigate their lives gave me great joy.  

It wasn't until six months after I returned to work that it fully hit me how serious my situation had been.  Now that it has been almost a year since I got sick, I am profoundly grateful for the people God used to get me through this challenge.  Thank you for being one of those people.

Recently I discovered that the Roku Channel now has Home Improvement.  I am grateful for the many memories I have of watching that show with my Mom after my Dad passed away.  One of our favorite episodes was the one where Brad babysat the goldfish.  If I close my eyes I can see my Mom and me laughing uncontrollably at Brad and Randy's "problem solving" strategies in that episode.  I'm looking forward to revisiting more of these episodes in the coming months. 

For the past 30 years Mike Baxter and Tim Taylor have given me more laughter and more joy than any other characters currently on television.  I will never be able to adequately thank you for the time and effort you put into bringing these characters to life.  I am grateful to your family for supporting you while you were away working on these projects.  I am grateful to the cast and crew of both Home Improvement and Last Man Standing for all the time, talent, and energy that they gave to both of these shows as well.

Thank you for the laughter and memories both of these shows have brought to my life.  May God bless you and your family and any future projects you pursue.