RIP, Andy Griffith

I just learned that Andy Griffith passed away today at the age of 86.  This has brought on a plethora of childhood memories surrounding reruns of his popular self-titled show.  I grew up in the days of color-everything from television, nail polish and eye shadow to neon pants.  In an age of "latchkey kids", increasing immorality, and fast-paced living, "The Andy Griffith Show" was a warm welcome into the relaxing life of down home country living despite its black and white screen.  In fact, the early years of its lack of color seemed to add to its appeal and authenticity.  Watching Opie kneel to pray (among many other moral lessons from the show) was a refreshing change from other secular shows like "Married with Children", "The Simpsons", or even "My Two Dads".  Granted, these shows sometimes had moral lessons of their own and are far better alternatives to most of what is available in today's day and age but still, at the expense of demonstrating respect for authority and/or acknowledging God as the center of morality...and that's a pretty big difference.  They just don't measure up to "The Andy Griffith Show" standards and ideals.  Of course, at the time I didn't recognize that I was learning these lessons as much as I was just enjoying the antics and mishaps of its characters and the delightful humor they offered.  It was also a time for me and my brother to sit and laugh together while waiting for mom to get home from work or supper to be prepared.  (As I got older, I was able to help more with the latter. ;))

On beginning this post, my persistent 4 year old daughter started chanting, "Tel-e-vis-ion...Tel-e-vis-ion..." so I decided to just check and see if Netflix carried my beloved show and thankfully, it did not disappoint.  So, guess what we're watching right now.  :)  Thanks to syndication and modern technology, my kids have the opportunity to meet Opie, Gomer, Barney, Andy and Aunt Bee.  Hopefully, they will grow to love them as much as I did.  We all long for a simpler life, don't we?  I think that's part of what made Andy's show so popular.  Granted, I wasn't around when it started in the sixties, but the longing for a simpler life seems to be a timeless desire among most people, isn't it?  Besides that, how can you not love Opie and Aunt Bee, Gomer or Barney? ;)

Yes, Andy Griffith will certainly be missed.  I'm thankful for the television legacy he's left behind and all the memories from my childhood that came as a result.  How many actors can say that their show has been on-air for fifty-plus years?  Rest in peace, Andy Griffith.  Thanks for all the laughs and lessons!