The Little Couple

           I will start by saying I watch The Little Couple sporadically.  Sometimes there are things on across from it or I don’t know that it’s even on.  I also came to this reality series late in the game.  There are many episodes I have not seen, especially from the early seasons.  Other episodes I have found when it was part way over and I was only able to catch the end.  I’m always thrilled when I see a full episode.  The thing is, no matter how much or how little of an episode I see, I usually find myself glued to the show once I come across it.  The reason this happens is all because of the relationship between the two stars, Dr. Jen Arnold and Bill Klein.  

                Jen and Bill are like most married couples.  They have jobs, kids, pets, and a house.  The only big difference is both Jen and Bill have forms of dwarfism which make them smaller than average adults.  Some things in their house and in their life have to be adjusted in consideration of their height, but neither one lets their height keep them from going into the world and pursuing what they want out of life.  One of the things they wanted was to have a family.  For awhile they tried surrogacy, but that didn’t work out.  Instead of giving up, Jen and Bill turned to adoption.  They went to China for their son Will and then to India for their daughter Zoey.  Both children also have forms of dwarfism.  Once each child was brought to the United States we were able to watch as they adjusted to their new surroundings as well as Jen and Bill change from being without children to parents of one child and then two.

                Sadly, there has been another life change Jen and Bill have had to deal with.  While in India picking up Zoey, Jen became ill and had to fly back to the U.S.  Upon her return it was discovered that she had cancer.  Instead of preventing filming, except for some weeks of adjustment time for Zoey, Jen and Bill allowed the cameras in for Jen’s treatments.  They were also allowed to film her difficulties after losing her hair and trying to make life as normal as possible for their children.  None of this was easy, but through it all it was clear that what held everything together was the love Jen and Bill have for each other.   

                Jen and Bill are a great match.  They work well together but are able to be their individual selves all at the same time.  Their personalities are very different, but they use this to their advantage instead of having it create problems.  I’m not saying they never have differences or disagree.  Not every moment of their life is aired on the show, but I get the feeling that no matter what the disagreement, there is always respect for what the other one thinks and feels.  It is a type of relationship that I wish would be shown on TV more often.  Usually all we are allowed to see is the dysfunctional.  That is not appealing to me.  I want to see good, healthy relationships.  That is what Jen and Bill have and I hope The Little Couple stays around for a long time.