In the last month, I've been blessed with two opportunities to go to the movies with my husband.  For many people, this may not seem like a very big deal, but for us, it was huge.  On both occasions, our families volunteered to watch Cooper so that we could have some time alone.  While at home in California, we could arrange for a babysitter and then go to the movies, but the cost of that evening becomes so exorbitant that finding a movie that can justify that is fairly impossible. 

We saw two movies - both based on true stories and both incredible tear jerkers.  The first was "We Are Marshall" about the renewal of the football program after the very historic tragic plane crash.  As a theatrical experience, it was only okay but it was very meaningful and of course, forces you to appreciate the life you are currently living.  The second movie was "The Pursuit of Happyness" - based on the true rags to riches story of Chris Gardner.  I have been reading his book and the movie is only about one chapter of the book - so much has happened in this man's life, that I'm certain they tried their best to showcase in a short period of time how amazing this man's spirit truly is.  This movie has stuck with me for days - and in fact, I was sobbing in the theater through most of it.

 

"The Pursuit of Happyness" as a movie is highly depressing.  Even though I knew that a happy ending follows the credits, I couldn't help but be pulled into the emotional roller coaster.  First, as a mother of a son, the idea of having to survive on the streets with Cooper is just overwhelmingly scary and painful to even ponder.  Second, having witnessed some fairly extreme poverty and financial struggles with my mom in my own early years, I think there are some harsh memories coming to the surface. 

Although I am a fairly happy positive person about my life and my future, the combination of these two movies really forces me to truly be thankful for all that I have and have been given.  Life is full of opportunities and blessings.