It has been over a year and a half since the final episode of the hit ABC sitcom, Modern Family. Even after this time, viewers still watch and appreciate the show. The Dunphy and Pritchett families connected with people on a personal level through their day-to-day lives. This huge, crazy family went to attended sporting events, held weddings, and much more.
What made viewers ultimately connect with the show was from the foundation of having and being a family. It meant many things from simply being there to helping a relative. Certain moments though made people tear up from some very emotional, heartwarming quotes.
Families Fight But Stick Together In The End
"Guess What. I Didn't Get Any Of That. Wound Up With This Sorry Bunch. And I'm Thankful For That Every Day."
In Season 1, Episode 24 ("Family Portrait"), Jay is recollecting a time in 1968 when he worked as a barber, sweeping hair, and dreamed about the perfect family. He says though after a family feud that he still would not trade this family for anything. Even after Gloria kissed Phil on the Lakers kiss cam during a game and a full-out mud fight in the yard just before taking a family portrait in only-white attire. Yes, families have moments where they are close to their wit ends and on their last straw, but in the end, families love one another and are thankful to have each other.
Jay Gives Wise Fatherly Advice To Help Manny Grow
"We All Struggle With Limitations. Some We're Willing To Accept, And Some We're Not. It's Never Too Late To Grow In Life."
Gloria and Jay are trying to spend time together and connect in the episode, "Go Bulldogs." Manny receives a large suspicious package and Gloria fears Jay has to give Manny the talk and that her young boy is growing up. To their surprise, Manny has a huge helmet harnessed tightly to his head. Manny tells them that he is trying to get tall like the boys in his class. Jay tells Manny that he worked out at his age, but it is after when he reads the manual of the Lengthenator that the quote comes. Through Jay's attempt to make him feel better and accept his shortness that Manny grows.
Cam and Mitchell Get Through A Hard Time Together
"I'm Lying Next To My Rock."
After an incredibly emotional day, Cam and Mitchell find themselves lying on the beach at night. The couple tried to adopt another child, but the adoption fell through at the last moment. Even after an adorable daughter-grandfather dance recital, the sadness is still high. Mitchell falls to the ground in tears, but Cam falls with him. In response, to Mitchell's grief and him lying on a rock, Cam lovingly says that Mitchell is his rock. Even in the lowest of lows, Cam is there for Mitchell.
Phil Leaves Haley At College With A Caring Message
"Never Be Afraid To Reach For The Stars Because Even If You Fall, You'll Always Be Wearing A Parent-Chute."
This quote hits particularly hard and is emotional to viewers. In Season 4, Episode 2 ("Schooled") of Modern Family, when Phil and Claire leave Haley at college, Phil leaves Haley a little book with some wise advice that Haley initially ignores in an attempt to stop them from embarrassing her.
Later that night Haley reads the book and viewers hear several of Phil's anecdotes, but this one was the last one heard. Not only does Haley feel loved, but she knows that her parents are always there for her, something she later learns when she has her children, twins Poppy and George.
More Fatherly Love From Phil's Book To Haley
"Take A Lesson From Parakeets. If You're Ever Feeling Lonely, Just Eat In Front Of A Mirror."
Continuing from that same book Phil gifted to Haley as she went away to college in the same episode, Phil had another heart-warming and Phil-humorous quote. It would not be a complete Phil Dunphy book without some comedic puns and facts. Oftentimes, it can be difficult to make new friends at a new school or even find someone to eat with. Knowing that Phil crafts this funny, yet caring message that even when Haley is alone, she is never alone because if she ever did even eat in front of a mirror, she had her reflection and would always this age from him.
When Manny Realizes Who His Hero Is
"For Me Though, The Hero Of My Family Is My Family, Because Of Who We Are Together."
In Season 4, Episode 22 ("My Hero") of Modern Family, Manny and Luke are tasked with writing an essay on their hero for class. As usual, the rest of the family has their dilemmas and problems going on including Jay trying to get Claire to work for him, Mitchell's ex-boyfriend showing up causing Cam to feel insecure, Gloria not knowing how to skate, and even Luke "binge eating." Everyone finds a resolution in the end by making an effort to help one another. Manny sees the family coming to each other's aid. Manny being an elementary student at this time and stating this quote in his essay is simply amazing and endearing to viewers.
Mitchell And Cameron Finally Get Married
"Actually, I Thought You And I Would Take A Little Walk."
Mitchell and Cameron finally get married in Season 5, Episode 24 ("Wedding, Part 2"). The wedding day starts nicely before the day spirals out of control. Lily gets caught on a laundromat line, Sal the officiate goes into labor, Cam's parents threaten to leave one another, and a fire starts outside the wedding.
Distraught, Mitchell and Cam were close to calling off the wedding before Jay saved the day by setting up the actual wedding. Just before the ceremony begins, Mitchell tells Jay to get a seat, but Jay informs him that he'll be walking him down the aisle. This moment leaves viewers crying about how much love Jay gives to make his children happy.
Alex And Haley Share A Sister Moment
"Who Better To Deal With An Alex Than You?"
As Alex is about to head off to college in Season 6, Episode 23 ("Crying Out Loud"), Haley attempts to share her final moments with Alex before going away. Alex does not understand why Haley wants to spend time together, but Haley is simply going to miss having her around. Alex comes to realize this as her departure draws nearer and they get to watch their cartoons and bond with one another alone together. It is a heartwarming feeling knowing these sisters, no matter how vastly different they are, still love and count on each other.
The Kids Are Finally All Grown Up
"We Raised Them To Be Independent, And Now They're Out In The World Having Their Own Lives."
After eight seasons, viewers finally get to see Manny and Luke graduate high school. In Season 8, Episode 22 ("The Graduates"), the youngest two boys from the start are finally off into life after high school. It is a heartfelt episode that is concluded with Phil stating these words in a toast as all the original kids, head out to do things in Luke's new car. Well, everyone except for Haley. Nonetheless, it wraps up a cherished moment many parents are lucky to witness and experience when their final child graduates high school and tugs on everyone's heartstrings.
The Baby Birds Are Leaving The Dunphy Nest
"What People Have Always Done. Leave The Porch Light On."
In the final episode of the beloved Modern Family, everyone is moving on and beginning a new chapter. All of the family is sad but excited for each other. Haley, Dylan, and the twins are moving out of the Dunphy house, as well as Alex and Luke. Phil and Claire don't want their kids to leave. As they look around their cleaned-out bedroom Claire asks, "What do we do?". Phil replies with this quote. It is the end of a long chapter in which viewers laughed, loved, and cried. The times shared from the show ended with the porch light of the Dunphy house being turned on one last time.