Everyone needs a helping hand

By Colleen O'Callaghan-Miele

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | 6:05 p.m.

Could it be possible that June Cleaver, Donna Reed or Aunt Bee had moments in their lives when they felt that they were on the brink of a complete emotional breakdown?

These TV women were domestic divas, able to vacuum in high heels, hair perfectly coiffed and with pearls in place. Moreover, they possessed that ever-calm presence. You could count on them, for heaven's sake. They never overcooked the turkey. The laundry was always done.

As I watch TV shows from the 1960s and 1970s, I am reminded of a simpler time. Aunt Bee walked to get her groceries. Sheriff Andy Taylor doled out justice with common sense and not a lot of red tape. In idealized Mayberry, justice was swift and fair.

In the TV shows of that era, family came first. Opie had his pa and Aunt Bee; Beaver had his perfect parents and big brother Wally to have those essential, life-enhancing, heart-to-heart talks with.

Everybody needs somebody to talk to, someone who will listen and, when necessary, give validation, clarification or simple guidance.

It's usually the listening with simple guidance and clarification that is needed with our youth.

As adults, we just need to talk and, from time to time, as life gets a little hectic and feels out of control, some guidance or verification will help us get back on track.

The month of May is Mental Health Month. Just as we have our annual physicals and dental checkups, keep in mind that our mental and emotional well-being is as important to maintain as the rest of our body. Mental and emotional wellness is essential for our children to develop healthy communication and coping skills.

When I am faced with a life challenge, I seek guidance. Whether the challenge is spiritual, physical, legal or emotional, I have found that getting guidance and having someone to talk to is best even for those who have wisdom and grounding.

I often am asked to take off my rose-colored glasses and look at how the world and those around me really are, rather than how I wish the world and those in it were.

Through the years of watching these TV families, I found that by talking to family and friends, I can get through any of life's challenges. Honestly, it's as simple as finding the right person to talk with, because sometimes you just need to talk.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or [email protected]. She writes a regular blog online at mcommv.blogspot.com.