For those of you who are avid Oprah fans (like myself) you may have seen the recent episode with Dr. Wiesel who wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning book, "Night." Having never read the book, I located a copy (belonging to my literary-minded sister Kiersten) and read it in about 1 day. A few days later, Mike and I were going through some of our movies, and bumped into our copy of "Schindler's List." It had been a while since we had watched it, so I decided to re-live the experience. "It's really depressing," Mike warned me.
"I know," I said, "But I want to see it again."
Depressing yes, but I believe a very important picture nonetheless. I was amazed at how many things I had forgotten, and how many things I remembered. I was just as haunted by them today, as I was when I first saw them in the theater. For example, the body of the little girl in the red coat being carted off to be incinerated? Or perhaps the scene where Ralph Fiennes' character takes the factory worker into the yard to shoot him and his gun repeatedly malfunctions. Powerful!
I guess you're probably wondering where I'm going with all of this, so I will come to the point. The movie "Schindler's List" (and the book, "Night") changed my life. It moved me tremendously, and helped me to see the world beyond my own little sphere, at least for a few hours anyway. So I would like you all out there in blogger land to share your thoughts on something that changed or impacted your life. It could be a personal experience, a movie or a book. I'm curious to do a little more soul searching here and perhaps bask in some of your life-altering experiences as well.
5 comments:
The one movie that I can remember saying "Wow, I never realized what they went through" was Saving Private Ryan. I have not seen that movie for about 5-6 years but I can still picture those young boys on the boat headed for Normandy beach just throwing up over the side in fear because they know they are going to die. I cant imagine that feeling!! Another movie was Cinderella Man (thanks to you guys!!) It helped me to understand those that had been through the depression a little bit better. We are so blessed with all of the material things that we have, I am up in arms if I leave my cell phone at home for heaven sakes! I am grateful for those that have lived before me and helped to make the world I lived in today. Thanks for making me think about it Meg! Love you-thanks for the awesome pizza last night. Why did I not take pics with my camera of the boys? What was I thinking? Oh well another play date right?!
Meg - Ok life altering experiences? Two in particular come to mind. an dthey happened this year. First - When my new born baby boy was in the NICU for low blood sugar and low blood platelets. He was 6 pounds and the biggest baby in there. To sit every day for 2 weeks in that room, let's just say it changed my view on mnay things. At times not knowing if Ben would make it or not, we cherished every moment with him. And second - when my dr called to tell me that I had melanoma skin cancer and needed immediate surgery. Because it would affect my liver and possible brain if it spread. I first broke down in tears (Dan was at work). Then when Dan got home we just held each other and cried. But mostly just held each other. This whole experience has really made us open our eyes to what is important in life. Immediately, bills, money, - none of that mattered any more. It was just about Dan, Ben, and I enjoying each others time. Today when I get stressed about stupid stuff, I try to remember those thoughts. Love you Meg - Leah
Well, everyone knows mine already. Haha. I seem to appreciate all kinds of things with Matt gone these days. Too many things to list. I think the thing that I have learned the most though, besides how much I miss him (especially with all the Christmas songs coming on lately… makes me want to flip the bird and say “holly jolly this Burl Ives!”…. but I’m not bitter. Haha j/k) anyway, the thing that has had the biggest impact on me would be accepting help. I know that sound funny, but if you are anything like me, it’s a hard thing to do. I’m a very independent woman and more often than not I come out swinging like a three-year-old “I can do it MYSELF!” But coming to terms with the fact that I can’t do everything and now, more than ever, I need all the help I can get has really changed the way I look at myself and others. I find that I have an easier time saying, “sure, I’d love your help” (so don’t volunteer if you don’t mean it! Ahah) but also, it’s changed the way I offer charity. It’s a tricky thing really and if your pride is as high in the sky as mine is, you’d understand that it takes a bit of finesse to get one who really needs help, it to accept it.
It all makes me extra thankful this season to have family and friends that are filled with such Christ-like love. So many have gone above and beyond for me and my boys and every once in a while it will catch me off guard with and I’ll start to cry. ….like now.
ps- my grammar hits the crapper when I get emotional. Can you tell? Don't type and cry people, JUST SAY NO! haha
Meg, it seems like war is a common theme here and I will continue that. We took a holiday when I was about 14 to the beaches in Normandy. We spent about 2 weeks visiting museums, talking to Veterans and Walking around Cemetaries. It is very sobering to see row upon row of white crosses in perfect alignent. Our family was fortunate not to lose anybody in WWII, but many of my friends families did. It made me grateful that men would give their lives to keep not only my homeland free but liberate countries that they had no ties to. They did it because it was the right thing to do and that people in the world came together and died together for one noble cause. It is a little sad that times have changed so much and politics can get in the way of reality. I wish that politics could be put aside, agendas ignored and the world be in agreement to rid us of evil. I will get off my soap box now but I also have to say that meeting Heather, becoming a Latter day saint and having our beautiful boys has also been a big eye opener.
James
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