Craig Ferguson - Saying Goodbye on Network TV

I watched an amazing thing two nights ago.

After Late Night with David Letterman came the Scottish fellow named Craig Ferguson.

Craig Ferguson replaced the mindless Craig Kilborn last year and I must say that the "new-Craig" is better... and much funnier.

To my amazement, the new-Craig did something I've not seen on network TV before. For his opening monologue (and throughout the broadcast) he talked about - and eulogized - the death of his father.

Talk about reality TV.

I'm sure that Saturday Night Live will create a maudlin skit about this. But I hope many will see if for what it is... an intimate and real expression of something that every one of us experiences... the death of a loved-one.

Last summer, I experienced the loss of my mom. The feelings of loss are fresh for me, so what a wonderful thing it was to see a son honor his dad... on network TV... in front of God and country and the Hollywood elite. As I watched, I recalled the immediate feelings of loss, and the happiness I felt knowing that my mom was on her way Home. Simultaneously, I thanked God that my dad is part of my life and even more proud of all he did our family.

For a comedy/talk show, it was risky and certainly out of the ordinary. Yet, this program was genuine. It was an amazing amalgam of Scottish tradition and genuine mourning of the loss of a parent.

Sadly, new-Craig demonstrated a lack of certainty regarding the "afterlife." So, Craig, if you're reading this, know that there really, really is a Heaven. While your church experiences may have confused you, God stands ready to bring clarity to your life.

So, hang in there Craig ol' boy. I bet that you will see your dad again. Because if that dad sired a son that would jeopardize his network TV program to honor "the ol' man," then I believe that he had the sense to know Who God is and that His Son had a special place for him -- and you -- in His Kingdom!

Posted by Jon at January 31, 2006 06:01 AM