Friends, family, and those who will forever live in my heart: I extend to each of you a warm hello, and begin by saying that this year has had a nightmarish grip on me, forcing me to say goodbye to people I love in a way I don’t wish on anyone. As I take things day by day and try to mend my heart, I try and take joy in whatever small things I can. These small tidbits of joy can come in a variety of different forms, such as hearty laughter after a silly joke, the happiness I feel in my heart from being with my family, a warm nuzzle from my four-legged best friend, and yes folks-in the delight that is ABC Family.

With my birthday just recently passing me by, I will fail to mention my actual age in this digital sphere, but I will bashfully admit that I am likely out of the typical age range of an ABC Family viewer. However, with a mix of original programming, reminscent reruns, and a dash of thoughtful reality TV, ABC Family has a permanent place not only on my DVR but also in my heart. Members of the jury, allow me to plead my case:

Exhibit A: Becoming Us. For those of you who have not soaked in the rays of this summer gem, this show featured a teenage son, his delightul sister, his mom…and his transgenedered father. From episode one, this show elevated the reality TV genre (which I did not believe was even possible) with a thoughtful look at a family coming to grips with the sigificant choice of their father to live his truth and become a woman. It is engaging, real, and completely captivating, and allowed me to realize that TV can be art reflective of the times we live in!
Exhibit B: The Reruns of Yesteryear. With an eclectic mix of daytime reruns, ABC Family has graciously sent me back in time and let me relive my youth with shows I loved as a young lass. I have relished daily in reruns of shows like the Gilmore Girls and, most recently, Dawson’s Creek. Incredible, entertaining, and meaningful shows that drew you in weekly, and now I am fortunate enough to relive season to season thanks to these programming geniuses. Oh, to be young again!
Exhibit C: Chasing Life. For those of you not familiar with this brave, affecting show, it centers on a 20-something named April whose life is seemingly perfect until she is suddenly diagnosed with leukemia. With a captivating cast of characters, realistic storylines, and an unflinching, courageous look into what life with cancer may actually look like, I believe this show is one of TV’s best kept secrets.

This was indeed a bit of a love letter to ABC Family and some of the wondrous programming it so graciously bestows upon me. We have a wonderful relationship: it gives me fantastic shows, and all it wants in return is my dedicated viewership (and perhaps a few coveted slots on my DVR), which I am happy to provide! In an often uninspired TV landscape, I sincerely appreciate some of the inspirited shows, old and new, offered up by this channel. ABC Family, you see into my soul, and for that, me (and my remote!) will forever be in your debt!