There is something about the song of cicadas chirping, the magic of fire flies flickering and the lingering humidity of the long summer days that takes me back to my Grandma’s house in Oklahoma.

Isn’t it amazing how our mind can take a sound, a breeze or even a smell and awaken a memory inside of us? Although I grew up in Southern California I spent time in the summer visiting my mom’s family in OK where I got initiated to southern things such as fried okra and sweet tea. My mom’s family is large ““ she has 21 first cousins and she often talked about the security she had growing up surrounded by so much family and the fond memories of sleepovers at Grandma’s farm and swimming at the slab in Tishomingo (a river that flowed over a road; it was quite fun).

Most people don’t have families quite that large anymore, let alone live near them! In fact, studies show that my generation generally doesn’t even live in the same city as our parents, most of whom aren’t together anymore anyway. Even though as a society we’ve had somewhat of a breakdown in the family unit, over the years I still believe at the heart of people is the longing to be a part of a community, to have a connection with people you care about, and who care about you – whether that’s family or friends.

We talked to one guy who said, “I thought I wanted to travel the world hopping trains, I thought I wanted to do it solo, alone, and then I realized I was really lonely”¦that was my first step towards realizing I needed people.”

At Halogen one of our core elements, or themes, is CONNECTION: The desire to build deep and meaningful relationships.

One program we’re piloting that highlights this element in a really fun way is called “Family Tree.” It’s a tree house competition show where parents and their kids compete against other families to build the ultimate tree house. This show is brimming with fun and creativity, but I personally love the dynamics of watching the families work together as cooperation is something they are scored on. Parenting is one of life’s most challenging adventures, but if we dig in and give it all we’ve got it is also one of the most rewarding. I hope this show inspires families to get out and do something together!

Another program that highlights connection is still in development. It’s called “Transitus” and is a dramatic miniseries written by Don Miller about a family of friends living in Portland, Ore., who work together to rebuild their relationships in the aftermath of an accidental death. Just listening to the story I can’t wait to bring it to life for all of you on the screen; it will truly grip your hearts as it has all of ours here in the office.

Whether you’re like my mom and have a deep well of family memories or you’re like the guy on the train waking up to the fact that you feel alone, I hope Halogen will reflect your desire for authentic relationships and become a support to you as you develop them.

Becky Henderson is the General Manager for Halogen.