It Really IS A Wonderful Life

Chad is taking this really hip, cool class right now - something about Film As Art - and he has to write a paper on a famous director from a certain period. Chad chose Frank Capra, the man responsible for films like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and yes, "It's A Wonderful Life." So last night, being the supportive wife that I am, I sat down with Chad and watch "It's A Wonderful Life" for the upteenth millionth time. So I thought. But the older I get, the more this movie touches me even more. Maybe it's because I understand more about not having much money, being dependent on your job to get your through, not being totally satisfied with your career choice, not being 100% happy with where you are in life...but most importantly, I understand what it's like to forget how much MY life impacts the people around me.
The most poignant part of that movie for me is when Jimmy Stewart's character, George Bailey, is erased from the face of the earth by his guardian angel, Clarence, and he's at the grave of his younger brother Harry, who earlier that day had won a Congressional Medal of Honor. But because George Bailey had never been born, Harry Bailey died when he was 9 years old by drowning because his older brother hadn't been there to save him and thus didn't complete his life's purpose because of the absence of George.
It just really made me think about how my life, as small and insignificant as it may seem, touches so many people - or at least I hope it does - and that I am important - to my family, my friends, my job.
Anyway, if you haven't rented "It's A Wonderful Life" or caught it on TBS when it plays nonstop during the Christmas season, watch it again. It's still very relevant to life today and it really is a great movie!