The Vow--So Much More Than A Movie

I went to see a movie yesterday that made me smile, cry, and really think about love, marriage and words of wisdom, from long ago. That movie was: The Vow, http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/thevow/. I went to the movie with the notion that it might be good, but it was so much more than that. It  was a movie of commitment, belief and not giving up even when things looked hopeless. I will not ruin anything--for those that haven't seen this yet--only to say this movie affirms the concept of love, and that fairytale endings are possible.

It really made me think about my own marriage beliefs. These beliefs started with my moms own comments about marriage, years ago. I always thought (before I married) why did mom always go beyond the call of duty for dad? Why did she go see movies (she didn't like) over and over with dad? Why did she always look at him with such love? So one day I asked her and she said, "Marriage is sacred. It is something you always work at. It's like a garden, you always weed it and make the man feel like the king of the household." This and "Honey gets your more than vinegar," were her secrets to a good marriage.

But regardless of my rolling eyes, I was quick to use her words of wisdom in my own marriages. And even if that was not enough, in that first marriage, seeing the happiness mom and dad had was enough to ensure I carried these same beliefs into my marriage--now. So moms words of wisdom served me well as I've done a lot of weeding and cupcakes and I'm sorry have brought about smiles a lot faster than any anger or show of stubbornness ever could.

So Channing Tatum's character--Leo-- and the love and belief he showed his wife--Rachael McAdams character--Paige--is really touching. It spoke to my own heart, and how special I feel marriage is, never to be taken for granted. I've read some reviews where Channing Tatum's acting is seen as bland, corny and the movie--The Vow-- targets just young men and women.  But I disagree with this. I think this movie targets any age range, any person, that needs to believe in love and that love can overcome anything we face in life.

So I think this movie would be good for young couples, those with a few years under their marriage belts, and even teens hoping for that love everlasting--though not for young kids due to nudity, sexual content. I know my mom loved my dad--with all her heart--until the day she died.  And it is this kind of love--a love everlasting-- that this movie brings to light. It is this fairytale that we all hope to find in our lifetime.

Nothing Lasts Forever

I was on the main drag-of an area filled with restaurants along that road-awhile back, and I saw something that made me smile as I was getting ready to pull out of a Wendy's.  There was an elderly man-back bent with age-who slowly trudged around to his wife's side of the car, and then he slowly opened the door for her.  First of all, today, you don't often see anyone opening doors for their other half- so that caught my attention- but also his endless patience and obvious love for her, well that almost brought tears to my eyes.

So when you see things like this,and know it does exist,- that eternal love, that lasting love-why then do people always say nothing lasts forever?  Why then do marriages not last longer?  My mom always said "Marriage is like a garden, and you have to keep pulling the weeds."  But what if there are so many weeds you can't see where your walking anymore?  What if the weeds are gone but you don't see your other half anymore once the weeds are cleared?

So what's the secret to marriages that last as long as the one I saw that day?  Where you make it to old age and your backs bent over, but in your eyes, that man or woman is as beautiful as the first day you met them?  What makes that old heart sing when the beats are slower now, but your love makes that heart beat as sure and strong as it had when you were younger?

Everything would have to go back I guess- to the moment you first met.  That first time your eyes connected and you said to yourself wow! would you look at that?  That first time you wanted to race to that person, get him or her before someone else did. 

And when you got married you couldn't wait for the end of the day to see them again.  Having to tell them bye each morning was like taking your heart out of your chest and sending it off with them each day.  You think I'm kidding, I'm sure, but in a way -literally- I felt that when I first got married.  I've still got that crazy, wild beating heart, it's just calmed now with life, a wee one, school and the responsibilities that come along in life.

I've heard, from family, that in time that crazy love goes away, that in time we-spouses, etc. become more like good friends.  But do I want to be just good friends?  Don't I want to have that strong bond, that love eternal-racing heart in tow-like that elderly couple I saw that day?  Yes, friendships good, but it's the racing heart that I want, that trapped beast, that's like a lions roar,one that states this is love! 

So is it true that nothing is everlasting?  Maybe some things.  But true love, strong love, now that is eternal, that is everlasting.

Looking Through The Eyes Of Love

I thought about the trust our pets feel for us today as I took my dog to get her rabies shot.  She shook as though palsied and refused to look at me again until we were on our way back home.

Only then did she lick my hand and tell me all was forgiven.  I felt so bad about the fear she had shown-of the unknown-that it made me think of other animals that might not be going home again, and would have a reason to fear, if they had known the outcome that their future held.

Many animals are part of puppy mills, or females didn't get fixed and they may be destined for the pound or the pet store.  The last unfortunate kind of place, may be the home of an owner that may not show the pet the love, or kindness it deserves.  This kind of disservice makes me the saddest because how can anyone deny the soulful eyes of a pet that wants only love and words of kindness, to make their eyes light up like the brightest Christmas tree.

So show your pet love today.  Let them know they hold a piece of your heart in their paws.  And as they look at you through the eyes of love let them know their love is returned a hundred fold.