For my money the best and most authentic 19th century era television series of all time was “Little House on the Prairie.” The re-runs are broadcast on the Hallmark Channel on a daily basis, and I make a point to tune in.
Interestingly
enough, I have a couple of connections to the characters on this program.
A couple
of years ago “Mrs. Oleson,” (Scottie MacGregor) and I established a short-term
pen-pal relationship; exchanging several letters. And I am pleased to say that
the “real” Laura Ingalls Wilder was a distant cousin of mine; both of us having
descended from a particular Mayflower passenger.
And as
compelling as I consider the content of my last paragraph, it has little or
nothing to do with the topic of this blog.
I simply
like two particular traits of the legendary Charles Ingalls; (played by the
equally legendary Michael Landon).
His
tender nature and his confrontational personality.
The two
sides of a coin.
On the
one hand Charles could challenge injustice, stand up to bullies, ask the hard
questions and defend his family’s honor, and get pretty “in your face” doing
it.
On the
other hand Charles teared up at the drop of a hat; whether Laura had just won
the annual Easter Egg Hunt, or an early snow ruined his wheat harvest. You name
it. He cried at will.
Humility
and Boldness. Definitely two of my favorite attributes.
Thanks for the fine role modeling,
Michael; (I mean Charles).
by William McDonald, PhD
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