How the ‘Bob’s Burgers’ family helps me find humor, hope
The Belchers all offer reminders that get me through difficult MG days
Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) means living with a body that doesn’t always cooperate. Muscle weakness, fatigue, and frustration can be daily companions. The support and love of family and friends are crucial.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve met people from many backgrounds who’ve become my friends. The strange thing is that not all of my friends are humans. I’ve found unexpected support from a fictional family: the Belchers.
As I wrote in a 2022 column, the animated series “Bob’s Burgers” has helped me laugh at moments that might otherwise feel overwhelming. Each of the main characters embodies a quality or coping strategy that helps make my life with MG a little brighter. Let me make some introductions.
Meet the Belcher family
Middle child Gene Belcher sees the good in everyone and almost everything. Whether he’s composing a song about farts or dressing up in a giant burger costume, Gene reminds me that silliness is powerful medicine. When I’m sitting on hold with an insurance company for 41 minutes, I stop and think about how silly the situation is. Insurance companies pretend to care about us, but then create roadblocks that keep us from easily accessing crucial medical services. When I’m stuck in one of these periods, I channel my inner Gene and make up ridiculous songs about my situation. Gene taught me that when your world feels out of control, a silly song can make it better.
Linda, the mom, is the family cheerleader we all wish we had. Her endless positivity, off-key singing, and insistence that everything will work out help me through difficult days. Living with MG can be isolating, especially when plans fall through because of fatigue. But watching Linda rally her family with unwavering enthusiasm encourages me to toss aside my pity pad and try to be my own cheerleader. When I feel disheartened after another insurance battle or a day spent in bed, I think of Linda and find a spark of optimism I didn’t know I had left.
Bob is the steady heart of the Belcher family. As the father, he deals with the chaos, wild schemes, financial worries, and frequent streaks of bad luck that plague the family. Despite the odds being constantly stacked against him, Bob perseveres, and with his signature sigh he brings order to the Belcher chaos. I relate to Bob’s world-weariness and his determination to keep going despite the odds. MG requires that same resilience. I may not be flipping burgers, but I am juggling medications, doctor visits, and flare-ups. Bob’s low-key endurance reminds me that it’s OK to be tired. As long as you keep going, it’s OK to grumble. Like Bob, I don’t have to be flashy in my courage. Sometimes showing up is enough.
Eldest child Tina Belcher’s awkwardness resonates deeply with me. Living with MG, I sometimes feel clumsy or out of sync with the world. When my speech slurs or my eyelids droop, Tina’s openness about her quirks and vulnerabilities comforts me. She owns her love of erotic friend fiction and her fascination with butts, and she doesn’t let social awkwardness stop her from being herself. Tina teaches me to embrace what makes me different. MG makes me different. That difference doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
With her signature pink bunny ears, Louise is all about rebellion and determination. She faces obstacles head-on. Often her schemes don’t work out, but they always come from a place of fierce loyalty and courage. MG can make me feel powerless, especially during flare-ups. But Louise reminds me that there’s strength in persistence. Whether I’m fighting for insurance approval for a life-changing medication or advocating for myself at a doctor appointment, I try to channel Louise’s unshakable determination. Even when I feel small or weak, I can be a warrior in bunny ears.
The Belchers show that humor, love, and persistence can get you through just about anything. Each character offers a reminder that even when life is hard, there are still reasons to laugh and ways to cope. The Belchers may be fictional, but their influence is real. They help make my life with MG a little easier to bear.
Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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