Don and I watched on of my very favorite movies over the weekend....or I should say he indulged me :). We watched "It's a Wonderful Life". Now to be honest I have to tell you that I have seen this movie at least 20 times. I could probably recite it line by line. But I still love it very much. This year was different for me...it was like I was watching an entirely different movie at times. I'll try to explain.
One year ago today my dear Father-in-law had a massive stroke. 17 days later he very peacefully passed away with those he loved surrounding him. In the movie, George's Father passed away. That never touched me in the past the way it did this year. This year, all of the emotions of last December came flooding back and it was heartbreaking. The lesson that I personally learned when we said good-bye to my Father-in law is to take nothing for granted! Each moment is very precious, tell the people you are close to how much they mean to you! Share your passions together. When those you love anger you, please forgive, because life is very short. Enough said on that subject. One more thing...I love and miss you Mick! We all do...rest assured we'll see you again!
In the movie, George Baily spent his whole life wishing for something else. He hated his job at the building & loan. He hated his drafty old house. He hated Bedford Falls...and was even mad that he and Mary had had so many children. All he ever wanted was to leave Bedford Falls and travel... see the world...go to exotic places. But reality got in his way, his Fathers death, responsibilities, family, Mr. Potter, etc. etc. How many of us can say we are like poor old George? As I watched the movie this year I couldn't help but think of my own life right now. I'd had it all planned out you know~pre-cancer that is! I had a career I dearly loved, thus I had planned on continuing it until a normal retirement. When Don and I retired I saw us moving together to Florida~God willing~to The Villages where Don could golf to his hearts content and I could shop and be a social butterfly! Just like George Baily, my plans got changed by the reality of life...unlike George I don't have an angel, Clarence, to teach me a lesson. Good thing I've been able to accept and adapt to the changes. I would really love to still be out on the road, meeting with customers, making a difference, making a living, feeling productive! I have many days when I feel very useless and I ask God to please tell me what his plan is for me. I get sad and I get frustrated. I've always been extremely independent, it hit me the other day that I am almost totally dependent on my husband. That really scared me. It is a first for me, and it was a real eye opener. Life can change rather quickly, I am proof of that...just like good ole George!
Do you think that when Frank Capra produced "It's a Wonderful Life" he could have imagined someone comparing it to their journey with cancer and the loss of a loved one. Some would say it's a stretch, I think you just have to watch the movie through the right eyes!
To wrap this session up I'd like to say...it truly is a wonderful life, it's all in how you choose to view it folks! I wish my friends, family and anyone else a Merry Christmas.
Blessings, Kathy xoxo
