I have known this day was coming, yes. I have tried to prepare, to steel my will. And now that the countdown is over, now that “the day” has arrived–I am fretting, pacing, wringing my hands–and I am not the slightest bit ready to bid farewell to Parenthood.

It doesn’t help that I am also a tad bit bitter.

To everything there is a season, yes I know. But this show is far from over. Its story lines and characters (love each and every flawed one) have only grown more compelling with every season. While I am sure tonight’s series finale will wrap things up in brilliant Parenthood style, so much will be left on the table.

When did television with a heart and a soul fall out of fashion? That’s what I want to know.

I will tune in tonight at 10. I will watch, no doubt crying a few tears as I try to figure out how I will ever say goodbye to the Bravermans. I will worry about Zeek, I will rejoice for Sarah, I will pull for Joel and Julia. I will wrap my arms around Amber and I will send silent love letters to every Parenthood character, all beloved, each one who at one time or another reminded me that life can be hard and still be beautiful, that people are flawed and sometimes just need a break, that family trumps, and that love–oh yes love–is what makes it all work, that love is all there is.

How will we ever say goodbye to the Bravermans?

I don’t know. I surely do not know.