Teach Your Children

You who are on the road
Must have a code that you can live by
And so become yourself
Because the past is just a good-bye
Teach your children well
Their father's hell
Will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they picks
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.

And you, of tender years
Can't know the fears
That your elders grew by
And so please help them with your youth
They seek the truth
Before they can die.

Teach your parents well
Their children's hell
Will slowly go by
and feed them on your dreams
The one they picks
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.

 

Spring’s not far away! Yesterday, a possum took a scurried tour of the backyard. Wild bunnies have emerged from their holes in search of sabotaging a garden yet to be planted and the sounds of birds chirping are obvious signs that winter is on its last leg.  

Such optimism makes me long for children’s’ laughter as they barrel up and down the street on bicycles and future entrepreneurs hock pink lemonade on the street corner for a quarter and a smile.  

I recently wrote a column about the youngest soap stars. This is in some ways an addendum to that. It’s also hopefully a post in respite of all the ugliness I’ve read online regarding what’s going on GH right now between Ric Lansing and soon-to-be ex wife Alexis Davis. I’ve rarely read more heated posts than those over the issue of Ric’s suing for custody of the child they conceived together, little Molly Lansing. Colored by the harsh reality of Alexis’s progressing cancer, viewers of all persuasions have weighed in vehemently on this story – myself included. 

Admittedly, my opinions can’t mask my bias for the character. I like Ric Lansing. Good or bad, controversial or not, I always have. But I love a tortured soul and few on daytime are as tortured as his. This man is drowning in a world partly of his own doing and partly from the residue of years of abandonment issues that have fomented inside. 

Recently, his actions have led to the unthinkable act of having sex with his own stepdaughter unaware that her mother – his wife – was diagnosed with type II lung cancer. Ouch! I’ve never liked the sex twist. Not because it’s not soapy; there are enough suds in this plot to cleanse the entire Cuyahoga River (Yes, I am an Ohioan!) My primary problem with the story is that I don’t see the payoff for the investment. Granted, the saga is ongoing, but I can’t help but think that the characters of Ric Lansing and Sam McCall were sacrificed for no good reason, or at least not a strong enough one. 

The scribes have worked furiously to help redeem Sam. She’s been tamed to almost timid at times, sympathetically stripped of her fertility and sent begging to her mother for forgiveness. Even in the latest hostage crisis where Mr. Craig’s “name game” prompted characters to accurately describe themselves (“Kick Ass Carly” and “Screw You Lulu”), Sam demurely offered the nickname “Sweet Sam”. Frankly, it was enough to make this writer nauseous. 

In the aftermath of the first wave of ugliness, Ric did the unthinkable by filing for sole custody of Molly. There are throngs of people out there on a number of Web sites and message boards anxiously chomping at the bit to spew all the reasons why Ric’s actions are wrong i.e., “spitting in the face of cancer patients” or “spousal abuse”. Still, I can’t help but to see one fact, which stands out very clearly - The man loves his daughter, perhaps beyond reason. 

“She’s the only thing in this life I’ve done right,” he proclaimed.  

The scenes Ric recently shared with shrink in residence, Dr. Lainey Winters, at the PCPD were way too short but his pain and inner struggle over all that was going on was apparent. (And I paraphrase) 

“Alexis can condemn me for me for many things, as a brother, as a husband, as DA … but not for being a bad father.”     

Now cue up the disgruntled choir and you’ll hear voices rising in protest of that last statement as well. That is the tragic, yet dramatic payoff of this story; it will never fail to be polarizing. It’s already been revealed that Ric does prevail in court and gain custody of precious Molly – for now.  

But you know what? I’m looking forward to these father/daughter moments. I think that this little angel will teach her Daddy more than any gun toting mob boss brother, hysterical wife or all of the vengeful citizens of Port Charles combined. I’m calling on GH to take us on a journey of unconditional love, the kind that can only be experienced through the innocence of a child. The one person in this world who may be able to help Ric face his demons is Molly. 

This newborn optimism was partially inspired by wishful thinking but also by the beautiful images found on www.devergirls.com. In this era of the Internet, even the tiniest actresses get their PR vehicle and I applaud the site for giving GH fans something to smile about amidst all of the ugliness. Below are a few shots from the site giving us a glimpse of the amazing relationship Rick Hearst has with the twins who play Molly. It transfers to the screen and I am looking forward to some good Molly/Daddy moments in the weeks to come.  

Additionally, the Devers and Kali Rodriguez (Kristina Corinthos Davis) will be hosting a fan event at GHFCW this year. If you’re ready to be captivated by “cuteness” and support a good cause, the fight against Leukemia, you may want to add it to your schedule. More information is available here: http://ghkidsevent.tripod.com/ 

Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.

-         Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young  

Longtime Rick Hearst fans may recall him performing this very song at a Guiding Light Fan Club event years ago. How ironically appropriate that we can call on the lyrics by Graham Nash to bring us insight on this story. He wrote this song about the tumultuous relationship he had with his father who spent time in prison. In a profound way, Ric Lansing is in prison. Let’s hope that a daughter’s love can help set him free. 

Until next time, pop in a good CD, sit back and enjoy the music. 

Peace,
Trish