Kids, this is the one where...

“Because sometimes, even if you know how something’s going to end, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride.” — Ted Mosby

Kids.

Haaaave you met Ted?

(I suppose if you haven't, you probably won't get the joke there.)

No?

Well, Ted Mosby is an old friend of mine. We spent a lot of time together over the years, going back to the first time we met in 2005, along with the rest of his friends - Lily, Marshall, Barney and Robin.

Back then, things were different. Masks weren't a thing, and Ted, Lily and Marshall all lived together above their favourite pub in New York, MacLaren’s. Now, I know what you’re thinking kids—you can’t imagine me being young enough-or fun enough-to enjoy hanging out in pubs. Let me tell you though, some of the times we had there were legen—wait for it—dary!

If you don’t remember Ted, maybe you'd remember Robin Sparkles, the pop-singing sensation from the nineties? Yes, I know the nineties are practically the dark-ages for you, but—

Okay, fine, whatever. We’ll move on. In case you're interested though, Ted also had a bit of a hit. The “Classic Schmosby” remix of his wedding speeches went viral in Finland, and it turns out he’s kind of a celebrity over there.

I know, catchy right? Punchy really nailed it.

Anyways, despite the best efforts of Barney and his playbook, Ted never really got into the whole one-night stand kind of thing. He was a hopeless romantic, and this led to a series of tragically hilarious and sometimes downright heartbreaking encounters for him. In a way, getting to know Ted made me feel better about my own single status. It made me realize I wasn't the only one searching for 'the one', and maybe he was out there, looking for me too.

As it turns out, Ted’s cringe-worthy obsession of Robin also taught me the importance of letting things go. If it didn’t, I might not have met your father, and then I wouldn’t be sitting here with you two, boring you with stories about my old friends. While there’s something to be said for not giving up, there are times when you just have to accept something isn’t working. Unfortunately for Ted, there were a lot of things that didn't work for him. (Sorry Ted, I've got to come clean, you were never pulling them off.)

Oh, don’t get me wrong. Not everything Ted did back then was humiliating—though there was that one time he told Robin he loved her on their first date, which led to the invention of the phrase "Pulling a Mosby".

Yes, that came from Ted.

Connor, I do not need to hear about how many girls you've pulled a Mosby on, I am your mother!

Going back to Ted, I guess he also had the tendency to get unbelievably pretentious at times, but...I digress. At the end of the day, despite all of his flaws, Ted Mosby showed me what true friendship was. Whether it’s finding love, searching for the best burger in town, or going along with your buddy's crazy scheme to complete the final play in the playbook - a real friend will always have your back.

I know I’m crying. Stop laughing, Amber. I remember you crying when you dropped a piece of toast on the floor last week and I didn’t laugh at you, did I? What can I say, Barney proposing to Robin might be one of the most (strangely) romantic proposals I’ve ever seen.

Speaking of proposals, another thing I learned from Ted was how to react when your friends share good news. He told me when you first hear it, you’ll be happy for them. The next thing you’ll do is start thinking about how it affects you. It’s hard when you want nothing but the best for someone, but their life accomplishments only make you realize how far you still have to go before you achieve your own. In these situations it’s best to try and stay present, and show the other person you’re genuinely happy for them. Because you are.

Connor? You know I'm talking about how Darryl got the spot on the hockey team, right? Don't change the subj-

What? You want to know my all-time favourite Ted story? Oh. Well okay then. Let me think for a minute.

I guess I'm going to have to go with the time Ted woke up with a pineapple...

You know what, kids? I’m afraid I actually don’t feel comfortable telling this story to you. I don't think your Dad would be very happy...

No, of course I wasn’t there! You know we’re talking about a TV show right? How I Met Your Mother?

Unless you want me to tell you how I met your father?

Well kids, the first time I met your father was the day I started my job….