ohbloodyhell8

So Older Son asked for a Dr. Spencer Reid bag for his backpack this year. He is probably our favorite character on Criminal Minds.

Dr. Reid and his bag

I had to deflect a few times because he didn’t know he was getting it for his birthday, but now that he has turned 15 (how the #@$@&&#$$ did that happen?), he has opened it. Heck, he’s already filled it with his school supplies.

We love Dr. Reid. We love that our sons see him as a role model. Matthew Gray Gubler’s portrayal of the character is one to which my sons can easily relate. He’s super smart (probably written a bit smarter than my guys), he’s true to himself, and through that, he has confidence. There are worse options for a role model.

Neither of my sons have an eidetic memory, and I know at least one of them won’t go into criminal forensics. But I do know one plans on a PhD (the proud owner of the Dr. Reid bag) and wouldn’t be surprised if Younger Son ends up with a PhD too.

All of that is lovely and relatable for my two sons, but I think they may have another connection that is even stronger.

Dr. Reid has a mom who has schizophrenia too. Not a lot of characters on television or in the movies align that well with my sons’ lives.

Jane Lynch does an amazing portrayal of Diana Reid. The relationship of mother & son has grown to be wonderfully detailed. It offers a glimpse into caring for a parent who has a mental illness and the complexities that go along with it.

I hope I don’t follow the same path as the character, but I suppose it doesn’t hurt for the boys to realize I might need some help when I’m older, depending on how good my mind stays (or doesn’t). Obviously, Hubby will help too, and mostly I hope I stay basically as I am now, but…

So thank you to Gubler & Lynch for creating and portraying our “normal” in mainstream entertainment. And for a really neat bag.

Older Son with bag and a hint about his PhD.

@gublernation @janemarielynch

And thank you for being in C. Guest’s movies, Ms. Lynch!