Run's House 4.9.07

Diggy, Vanessa, Justine, Rev. Run, JoJo, Angela, and Russy Simmons

Last night was the third season premiere of Run's House, featuring Rev. Run (of Run-DMC fame), his wife Justine and their 5 children.

The episode focused primarily on the family's tragic loss of baby Victoria Anne Simmons, who died only an hour after her birth last September. Amazingly, Rev. Run allowed the cameras to roll and capture his family's grief.

At first, while waiting for their new arrival, 9-months-pregnant Justine had a craving for Buffalo wings from Hooter's, after Run vowed to go to the ends of the Earth to get her whatever it was she wanted to eat (which meant taking the risk that his religious collar would catch on fire the minute he stepped through the door). I LOL when Justine told him that he could get seafood, and Run remarked: "People don't go to Hooters to see food."

Early the next morning, Justine went into labor.

I saw a clip of the premiere during their appearance on Oprah last week, and I was tremendously impressed by the Simmons' strength. Rev. Run reiterated throughout the episode that he could not be consumed with sorrow over the loss of his daughter because he is so grateful and thankful to God for blessing him to have 5 healthy, living children. And he even agreed with Justine that perhaps they could consider adoption.

I was particularly touched when Rev. Run made a point to talk to each child individually to make sure they were O.K. and remind them to count their blessings. My favorite moment was when the entire family welcomed Justine home by forming a prayer circle around her bed and then everyone jumped on the bed to talk, laugh and share funny family anecdotes.

This is a beautiful and positive family! Their love for one another is remarkable.