Men's Club

POSSESIONS

 

The TV situation comedy titled Family Affair aired for five seasons form 1966-1971. The principal cast members were Brian Keith as Bill Davis, Sebastian Cabot as Giles French, Kathy Garver as Sissy, Johnny Whitaker as Jody, and Anissa Jones as Buffy. The backdrop of the main story line presents its self as follows. The three  children were orphaned when their parents passed away in an automobile accident. The children were taken in to be cared for by three different family related members, and separated from each other in three different homes. At some point in time, the family members decided they could not take care of the children any longer. They brought the children at three different times to an uncle, Bill Davis in New York City. They convinced Bill Davis who was an engineer and a bachelor, it was in the best interest of the children to be reunited under one roof. Over time he and his Gentleman’s gentleman Giles French adjusted to the presence of the children in the household. They truly loved the children, and became a traditional family. Now Jody and Buffy were twins, and were much younger than Cissy. Buffy had a stuffed doll she named Mrs. Beasley, which she was greatly attached to and fond of.

 

The significance of the doll was the fact that the children’s lives were turned upside down, and they felt they were an obligation as opposed to the love and support a natural birth child would receive. Their home situation was unstable, and did not know when their home situation would change again. The doll was the only constant in Buffy’s life, and she expressed her feelings and concerns through the conduit of an inanimate object which was non-judgmental. This is common behavior for an orphaned or abused child to be fiercely protective of a doll or backpack, or other object that they can truly call their own.

 

Children thrive when they are in a safe environment, in which they are loved, protected, cared for basic needs, and supported and encouraged in their activities. At times children can be difficult and challenging, but as they mature, they will come to the realization, that as parents you were always looking out for their best interests.

 

There is one constant children will respond. There is no limit to the amount of times you can express your love and affection to your children.

 

Shalom!