That Generation Gap Just Got A Little Bit Smaller

I was putting the dishes away, staring out the window, not really thinking about anything specific when I heard the first notes coming from the younger Boy's room.

I haven't watched this show in a very long time, but I immediately flashed back 20 yrs, to cleaning the apartment, with this on the stereo, afternoons at the lake, with this on the stereo, touring around 12 states on the honeymoon, with this on the stereo, and flopping on the couch every week, and enforcing the 'Thursday Night Rule'.

"No phone calls, and no visitors after 9pm, it's Thursday Night Lineup!!!"

Friends. Seinfeld.  ER.

Seriously.  If the phone rang after 9pm, it went to voicemail.


Every Thursday night, from the very first episode, we watched and grew up with the Central Perk crew.

They were in their mid-20's.  I was in my mid-20's, and although they were all still single and I was getting married and having babies, we connected.

I think it's safe to say that cast and that show connected with an entire generation.

And earlier this week, I think the generation gap in this house just got a little bit smaller, when I heard the F.R.I.E.N.D.S theme coming from my son's room.


I dropped the dish and cloth on the counter and knocked on his door, and opened it to find the show just beginning.

'You watch this now?' I asked with a big smile.

'Yeah, they were watching it at Joe's* one night, and I liked it.' 

That made me smile even more.

I don't know why it should surprise me that my kid likes a show I used to love.  It was a great sitcom.

It also made me a little nostalgic for a minute, for those long ago 20's and somewhat carefree days.


But ... if the tradeoff is now getting to sit on the couch with my kid, laughing at the FRIENDS cast, and hearing Ross whine, 'We were on a break!' together, I'll take that deal.


I wonder if he knows about Smelly Cat yet?  Must find that episode!


K.

*Joe ... not his real name.  Of course.