I grew up watching Growing Pains.  Jason Seaver, played by Alan Thicke, was every dad.  You watched how he parented, the advice he gave, how his children acted around him.  It was a peek inside another family going through the same issues we were all going through.

Alan also wrote the theme songs for two other shows I watched religiously in my childhood.  The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes.  I will recognize those tunes for the rest of my life.

From all accounts, those who knew Alan say he was a lovely guy.  Humble, friendly, talented, helpful.  Seems like the character he played on Growing Pains wasn’t too much of a stretch.

Since his untimely passing of a heart attack, a 2012 tweet he sent out has emerged.  It was an anonymous quote that said, “Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the night, there will be nothing left for him to steal.”

Epic advice.  Leave it all on the table.  Be kind.  Be brave.  Be creative.  Take chances.  Make mistakes.  Love fully.  Forgive completely.  Speak your truth.

May we all survive the growing pains of life and live every day like it’s our last.  RIP Alan Thicke.