So Much For My Happy Ending

This morning most of us woke up to the news that Steve Burton has quit GH after 21 years.  The end of an era in so many ways came crashing down on our computer screens before most of us had our second cups of coffee.  Stunned we all read the articles, tweets and comments to the story.  For most of us Steve has been the icon of GH for so many years we can't even comprehend the thought of a GH without Jason Morgan.  But that is our new reality.  This year has been a lot about new realities and acceptance and I think this news coming now, almost for some of us, seems like the final nail in the JaSam coffin... so to speak.   For the most part, yes, it is the end of JaSam as we know it.  We love the Stelly Magic that has electrified our TV screens for all these years.  The intensity of Jason's stares at Sam.  The amazing acting both Steve Burton and Kelly Monaco have done for so many years flashed before our eyes as we read that article today.  With a few deep breaths I realized the end is upon us.  But just because it is the end it doesn't mean we should not watch at least how it is ended.  We should watch to see how they do Steve's departure.  We owe JaSam that much.  We have been on this journey for the last 8 years, we should see it through to the end, even if it is a bitter end that we didn't want to come. 

I know it has been difficult this year to watch all of the changes occur for JaSam and GH.  My enjoyment to watch has wavered much like most, I am sure.  I kept hoping against hope, if we just just rode this storm out things would get better, there would be a silver lining to this all.  Sam and Jason would have their happy ending. We, as completely loyal and dedicated fans, would also have that happy ending we had hoped for.  If GH was to get canceled, we hoped that Jason and Sam and their child would ride off into the sunset together and we would feel complete.  We would get our story the way we wanted it. 

Well............. I am here to tell you, sometimes in life we don't always get what we want. Life changes plans on us sometimes without warning.  Chapters of our life are slammed shut before we feel they are complete.    As fans that is what we kind of feel like today, like out book has been slammed shut without getting to read the middle part just with a "The End" right at the point we thought things would be improving.  It's a bit sour to accept just yet but accept is what we must do.  We have our absolute answer now and now we don't need to hope against hope things will come out differently.  The finality of today's news resonated for many of us that our hoped for JaSam happy ending has been cut short.   We must accept this now and for me I felt a small weight was lifted.  Let me clarify that last statement with more detail.  I have mixed feeling for quite some time now about GH.   I have been struggling to watch and to be passionate about the show I once loved.  I have been struggling to find what I once loved in it as I watched this new regime destroy the greatest show bit by bit.  I struggled to find what Grandmother and I used to talk about and share such love for.  But now, I feel like I don't have to try to keep digging deeper and deeper to find something that makes me happy about GH anymore.  I don't have to keep digging to find some pieces of Grandmother's love for the show anymore either.  Grandmother has been gone a long time, and though I still talk to her in my prayers at night, I think this helps me to accept she is really not here anymore.  She lives on in my heart and that is where she should live on, not in a TV show we both once loved.   I know the Chapter of JaSam is coming to an end and now I can move on without regret. Yes, honestly, once this story wraps up it will probably been the end of GH for me.  But I can do it knowing I did my best writing to keep GH alive for many years and I enjoyed every second of Jason and Sam's love story and that is how I would like to end it for me.  I would like to end my viewership of 26 years on a happy fulfilled note.   I think in some small way today's news gives me the closure I have been searching for.  Please don't be angry with me for ending my viewership with Steve's departure.  I will continue to blog all the way up until the end of JaSam's era.


We have all watched and loved JaSam so much that sometimes we have forgotten they are fictional characters and the people that play them have their own lives going on in the background.  Steve's decision did not come easily to him.  But he is doing what he feels is best for his family and his career and you can't discount him for that.  Often times in life we have to make decisions that don't make complete sense while we make them but in the end - it is the best thing you did.  I have no doubt that Steve will be successful in all of his future endeavors and that hopefully his family is happy and enjoy living in a quiet remote area of TN instead of LA.  Raising a family has a lot of  challenges and tough decisions and I am sure the didn't make this one on a whim.  I too think about moving to a more remote place to raise my kids as well away from the hustle and bustle that seems to influence young minds.  So do not be angry at Steve for leaving.  He gave us 21 amazing years with those dreamy eyes and longing stares.  Steve is doing what is right for him.  Do not bash Steve on Twitter or FB or on chats or other messages boards.  Please let Steve know you are thankful for the memories! After all, there would have never been a JaSam or a reason to watch GH if it hadn't been for Steve. 

On that regard, also don't be angry at Kelly for staying either.  They are two different people with different priorities in their real lives.  Steve's current priority is his family.  Kelly's priority is her career.  She is staying on GH because it is her career and we should honor that.  She is not leaving.  Sam is staying in PC for the next chapter of her life no matter what happens.  It is important to remember to show Kelly some love. Support her on DWTS this fall too.  Do not be angry with Kelly for what ever direction they take Sam's character.  It is her job to take Sam on where TPTB direct her to go.  She will do an outstanding job - I have complete faith in her.  Kelly is an outstanding actress who will succeed in what ever comes her way. 

(For more details of Steve's departure and decision http://www.tvguide.com/News/Steve-Burton-Quits-General-Hospital-1052432.aspx )