So, we have Netflix. That means we pay one set fee per month and keep a queue of movies in their database. When we are done watching one, we send it back and they send us the next one on our list. The next one on my list was: Flight 93.
I didn't see it in the theater. It's sort of like, well, I'm apprehensive about knowingly subjecting myself to something that is going to make me uncomfortable, that might be difficult for me to process, or, gulp, something that I know will make me cry. However, that is what I did when I dropped Flight 93 into the DVD disc drive and curled up under the tan, maroon, and navy blue afghan on my bed. What I shouldn't have done was bring along a glass of soda with ice. I drank that down in the early minutes and then was chilled to shivering during the opening, predictable scenes.
With my hand shaking from the chill, I grabbed a pen and a spiral notebook nearby. I felt like I needed to record my thoughts and feelings. Like I had to remember why I did this and how I felt before and after. It seemed important. When have you ever done that with a movie? Me? Never. So, I scribbled words....
"...I'm in my room, alone. I'm watching 'Flight 93.' I decided that I need to see it so it can remind me why Fran is serving in the war. I want to cry already and I'm only 5 minutes into it.
The beginning scenes pay tribute to some of the passengers by showing their names on their tickets as they are sucked into the ticket check-in machine...
Now, during the credits I can think nothing else but that Fran belongs where he is. Heaven forbid that those who hate us...who despise our freedom...should be allowed to act again. It's as if those fighting in Afganistan and Iraq are saying, 'Not On My Watch,' Not while there is something we can do about it. This must be done. Their work is necessary."
After all, it seems the passengers on Flight 93 said the same thing: "Fly into a building and kill hundreds of people? Not if we can help it. Not on our watch." They were brave and determined.
So are our soldiers in the conflict....
....So are we who wait here back home. The difference is that we have hope that our loved ones will come back. Those family members who waited on that bright sunny day 5 years ago didn't have that hope....
...I salute them.
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteYour right that Flight 93 is hard to watch. It's a movie that has so much emotion to it and it tugs at your heart. There is a country song by Darryl Worley called Have you Forgotten. Have you ever heard of it? Everytime I hear that song it makes me feel things I don't like to feel. I wish they would play it on a very regular basis to remind people that there is a war going on everday here and overseas. We have to stand up for our homes and thanks to people like your Husband and you we can say we are doing just that. I know firsthand how hard this is on you because I myself just got done doing a nine month seperation from my husband who went overseas in March but like you I also know this is what has to be done for not only our future's but our children and there children and so on and so on. God will watch over his soldiers Diane and he will keep the Homefire Burning in your heart so long as you let him. If you ever need a ear there's one here for you always. Next time if you would like a movie buddy give me a holer and I will be glad to cry with you;) Take Care Diane and God Bless! Regina Bradley
I didn't see that movie in the theatre either, but both the girls did. I look forward to watching it with Rein and Asher, and probably the girls, too, not because I can't wait to see it, but because, like you, I want/need to be reminded of why we are where we are today, why so many friends/loved ones/acquaintances/strangers are laying their lives on the line, why airports may be a little crazier than they used to be, why it seems some of our "freedoms" are being restricted, and on and on. I don't ever want to forget.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Diane . . . I feel like crying now, but I'll turn it into prayer for you and others - both those who are away serving and those who are home carrying on.
Love you . . .
Wow. I agree with your sentiment and those of the other two comments. Brave souls you are to watch the movie. I'm not sure I could watch it myself nor the most current one out with Nicholas Cage. I made myself watch the interviews a couple years ago with the families leading up to the nightmare and barely got through it. I still cannot listen nor watch the real footage displayed (I guess its called PTS). I hope to someday be able to grieve that day away but until then my only ability is to pray for healing for those affected (and who wasn't), my former students, friends and family members who are serving their called duties in the big Litter Box overseas! You are all in my prayers...
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