For any parent who has several adult children, the odds are that one of those children are going to have strong negative feelings about something true or perceived to be true about something their parent did or did not do.
I had the honor of writing (in 1996) the online biography for the 'Michael Landon International Internet Fan Club. I grew up watching Bonanza and raised my own family during Little House on the Prairie. I once again travelled with Michael during Highway to Heaven.
Michael had his own set of problems with his parents, which had nothing to do with divorce. Michael Sr.'s problems were those of 'identification'. His father, a Jew, was a workaholic and detached from his mentally ill mother, who was a Catholic.
It is pretty easy to see why Michael Landon became a 'controller' as he matured during his later 'Bonanza' days. He lived, as a child, teen and young adult in a home that he had little, if any, control over his own life.
What happened between Michael Landon and his second wife, Lynn Noe was between them. I spoke extensively to the late Victoria King, Michael's older sister. She related that Lynn, who became a 'born again Christian' was at odds with Michael, who was happy being Jewish and that his children, particularly Michael Jr., was angry because of his parents' divorce, but also because his father would not 'convert' to Christianity.
Vicky said that even during the time that Michael was dying he was told by family members that he would 'go to hell', if he didn't convert. Thank God that God is the Judge of our fate. Otherwise, we would all be in trouble.
One of the statements Michael Landon made that really hit home with me was, "In my dreams, my children love me". I do pray that his children will forgive him for what they think or perceive to be wrongs against them. He could have left them without a dime to fend for themselves, but he loved his children, provided for them, their mothers and even his own mother and sister, which he did not have to do.
Michael Landon, thanks for all the fond memories you gave and continue to give millions, (thank goodness for reruns!) and, may your memory be for a blessing.
Carol 'Channah Leah' Shoemaker
