Stephanie and I have always loved movies. We both had large collections before we got married and had a total of about 300+ movies when we got married. I think the biggest reason we both love them is because we always find parallels to real life or see some deeper meaning in the story being told (whether intended or not). We love seeing the characters change and learn from the events that play out, and I think we both often take something away from movies that we see.
We have seen less and less movies in the theater over time (despite our best wishes) because of having kids and less money. I’m sure many of you know how that goes. One movie we did make sure to see this year was “Inception.” We both loved it, which came as no surprise as we both really love the writer/director, Christopher Nolan. We loved it so much, in fact, that for her birthday (October 1), we saw the movie a second time. That says a lot for how many movies we wish we could see in the theater and how few we have seen recently. (Warning: there may be some light spoilers in the rest of this paragraph.) I find some similarities from that movie now in my life. It was always a dream of ours to be married for fifty years. And, like I’ve said, in some ways we acted like we had been married for fifty years. I feel a little like Leonardo Dicaprio, where his wife was no longer alive, but they had experienced a full fifty years of marriage in their own little dream world. I feel a little like Stephanie and I had that, and it actually makes me feel a little better to think about it like that.
Brady asked to watch “Finding Nemo” tonight. I hadn’t considered the movie much before agreeing to it, because we have always loved Pixar movies. I had forgotten about the opening scene. Thankfully, I didn’t lose it right then and there, even though it’s easy to be reminded of my life now. What really surprised me even more was later in the movie when Marlin is sharing his story with the sea turtles and the story travels the entire ocean. I am so touched by how many people have shared my story across the globe, and thus given me more help than I ever imagined possible. I was telling all my closest friends about what was going on, and now people who have never met me are praying and reaching out to me with their support. I’d say that’s pretty cool.
Like I said, we love the parallels and lessons that we can take away from movies.
Paige loves `Finding Nemo`… And I do feel you are just like Marlin. Your words have traveled all around the world, and your Nemos will know of the love and faith between you & Stephanie. And I know there is a Dory somewhere in your life telling you to `Just keep swimming,` 3 sharks that will always support you (fish are friends, not food!), and a bunch of turtles ready to make you laugh when you need it. Your words are beautiful & I`m glad you have continued to let everyone from here to Sydney read & experience! *hugs* Marlin.
I look forward to reading your posts. I find it hard to believe I do not know you and your family…I tell my husband I feel so close to you. I cried myself to sleep the other night just wishing I could do something to make it better for you and your family. I pray that you find strength. Gob bless you.
amen
Hey Brad, I only hope that I will have the love that you had between you and stephanie! You two had a love so pure! So true! I know it is painful, but I do feel that it is better to Love and Lost than to have never loved at all. Which is my situation. To have never loved at all! I do hope that the pain for you gets easier for you. I hope that slowly you can still enjoy life even though it is really tough right now! I am still praying for you! :)
Dear Brad, I’ve read some of Stephanie’s facebook messages. What a wonderful family life you had. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve read and re-read your love letter to Stephanie. What I would give for someone to love me the way you two loved each other. I pray for you daily….that you feel God’s arms wrapped around you. It’s mind boggling how many people are following your blog, and from what distances. Love to you and your family.
Paige loves `Finding Nemo`… And I do feel you are just like Marlin. Your words have traveled all around the world, and your Nemos will know of the love and faith between you & Stephanie. And I know there is a Dory somewhere in your life telling you to `Just keep swimming,` 3 sharks that will always support you (fish are friends, not food!), and a bunch of turtles ready to make you laugh when you need it. Your words are beautiful & I`m glad you have continued to let everyone from here to Sydney read & experience! *hugs* Marlin.
I look forward to reading your posts. I find it hard to believe I do not know you and your family…I tell my husband I feel so close to you. I cried myself to sleep the other night just wishing I could do something to make it better for you and your family. I pray that you find strength. Gob bless you.
So glad you have discovered the world of blogging because there is definitely lots of support among bloggers. Wow, over 300 movies is a lot! I think we have maybe 10. Thanks for posting about the memorial fund here because I feel I can at least be of some assistance to you in a tangible way. Sending my check today.
Brad – I am so sorry for your loss. I have wanted to post over the last week but haven’t known what words to say. “I’m Sorry” seems so inadequate. But, even though we have never met, I have prayed continuously for you and your family over the past few weeks. Several times a day I lift you up in prayer and ask our might God to comfort you. Thank you so much for continuing to blog. It is a such a spiritual encouragement to see someone who is suffering still continue to praise God in the midst of it.
amen
Hey Brad, I only hope that I will have the love that you had between you and stephanie! You two had a love so pure! So true! I know it is painful, but I do feel that it is better to Love and Lost than to have never loved at all. Which is my situation. To have never loved at all! I do hope that the pain for you gets easier for you. I hope that slowly you can still enjoy life even though it is really tough right now! I am still praying for you! :)
Funny how your blog was designed to help you and yet here in your darkest hour, you are helping others with that blog. It’s like one of those miracles of which you spoke last week. If you don’t pay attention, you miss it. Thank you sweet Brad. We continue to hold you in prayer even when we fail to tell you we are.
Would you believe that my kids and I watched Nemo yesterday too? We watched Monsters Inc. this afternoon. Pixar films are so good, although Dreamworks How to Train your Dragon is getting a lot of views in our home too. Don’t know if you’ve seen it but it’s worth it if you get the chance! On another note…Today I got some disappointing news and was getting frustrated and all worked up. I started to pray and give it over to God but I was having a hard time letting it go. I switched the radio on to the Fish and The Newsboys Amazing Love was playing. It totally changed my focus from frustration with the prolonged inconvenience this news would bring to humble thankfulness. Thankfulness for my Saviour that would lay down His life for me and that he loves ME! I remember you said how the one night those books fell over and you knew it was from God, I know that song was from Him. That he was trying to open my eyes to the bigger picture and stir my heart towards worshipping Him. I know your post was about parallels from movies to life but this was a parallel I found from your experience to mine. Know that your blog is giving encouragement to many including me. Still following your blog and continuing to lift your family up in prayer daily.