What comes first? Goodnight Moon or This Is Us? Since we can’t definitively answer the question about the chicken or the egg, it’s doubtful we’ll get to the bottom of this question either. Regardless of our philosophical conclusions, after watching last night’s episode the real takeaway is: from this point forward, we will never be able to have one without the other in our heart space Thank you, brilliant This Is Us writers.

But the more compelling question is, “Whose soul-bound idea was it to write Goodnight Moon into the script anyway?” Weaving such a unique thread through an episode set out to prove the human collective has shared experiences across every spectrum is creative genius. Whoever you are, I’m still giving a standing O over here. Listen close and you’ll hear my robust display of hand clapping echoing through time and space.

Here’s the thing. Goodnight Moon is a simple book. No glitz, no glamour—just the story of a bunny saying goodnight to the world before going to sleep. And the simplicity is what turns this tiny classic into a family favorite. Goodnight Moon is a universal, feel-good, tuck-your-kids-into-bed staple for every parent. Who knew a make-believe book with 132 words could touch hearts across the globe? And who knew a T.V. show with pretend story lines could annihilate hearts across the same globe?

This Is Us reminded us we all walk through life with similar journeys in which we experience joy, face hardship, celebrate success, and fight demons. We aren’t alone in our own universe—all of us fall asleep under the same moon. And if we can remember everyone has a story, maybe we can muster up more compassion for our fellow man. The writers used another stroke of genius to help us hone in on this truth with the parallel of everyone has a story they read their child before bed. Just wow.

Because both the book and the show are forever classics, I thought we all could use a This Is Us version of Goodnight Moon.

Goodnight This Is Us

In the great Pearson room

There was a husband and wife

And the Big Three

And many pictures of-

Their family tree

And there were three little hearts stock full of love

And five plates

And a pair of soulmates

And a little yellow terrible towel

And a deep sense of wow

And a Buddhist necklace and a lunar pendant and a Pilgrim Rick descendent

And a quiet karma, warm and resplendent

Goodnight Pearson room

Goodnight family tree

Goodnight hearts beating with glee

Goodnight light

And the Big Three

Goodnight hearts

Goodnight love

Goodnight plates

And goodnight soulmates

Goodnight Bec

And goodnight Jack

Goodnight yellow terrible towel

And goodnight sense of wow

Goodnight Buddhist necklace

And goodnight lunar pendant

Goodnight nobody

Goodnight Pilgrim Rick descendent

And goodnight karma, warm and resplendent

Goodnight stars

Goodnight air

Good night beautiful memories everywhere

 

And, um, #ThisIsUs writers, this show can never end. Like never ever.

Sleep tight, crazy Mommas!

 

 

 

If you are a huge This Is Us fan, you might enjoy this collection of articles:

How This Is Us Can Save America

Why ‘This Is Us’ Splits Our Heart Wide Open Week After Week

‘This Is Us’ Demonstrates Why Vulnerability Has the Power to Heal

Why ‘This Is Us’ Reminds Humanity What Humility Looks Like

How ‘This Is Us’ Nails the Life-Changing Magic of Becoming a Parent

Why ‘This Is Us’ Is the Gut Punch of Humanity We ALL Need Right Now

This Is Us: An IV Drip for Humanity

Do you or a fellow Momma need some heart encouragement? Subscribe to Shelby’s monthly Grace Notes and receive 3 FREE Chapters of her new book with Lisa Leshaw, “How Are You Feeling, Momma? (You don’t need to say, “I’m fine.”) The two of them share short reflections on their perspective of 31 motherhood emotions, each tied to a specific Psalm. The cool thing is, Shelby is a Jesus groupie and Lisa is a Moses devotee!

Shelby is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, Certified Meditation Teacher (CMT), author, freelance writer, speaker, and love enthusiast who is passionate about helping others ‘change the way they look at things so the things they look at change.’ She has numerous stories featured in the national publication, Guideposts. She also has over 160 featured articles at online publications, including Her View From Home, Scary Mommy, Parenting Teens & Tweens, For Every Mom, Love What Matters, and Today. Her book, How Are You Feeling, Momma? (You don’t need to say, “I’m fine.”), co-authored with her dear friend, Lisa Leshaw, recently won the 2020 Publisher’s Weekly Book Life Prize as the finalist in the Inspirational/Spiritual category.

by Shelby Spear
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