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Blubbering Idiot

While doing crunches this morning, I turned on the TV to keep my mind off the exercise I was about to do and the movie "Gran Torino" was playing. It was nearly 3/4 of the way done. Perfect, I thought, I can watch the end of one of my newest favorite movies. Fifteen minutes later, I'm a puddle of tears on the floor. The end of that movie dissolves me to tears every time - and I think I've seen it now about six or seven times. When Clint Eastwood's character goes about his last day - including a lame confession with the priest - locking 'Toad' in the basement, I begin to get weepy. SCENE SPOILER ALERT! But when he is shot down and is splayed as though crucified on the cross, I become a blubbering idiot. So much softness and sacrifice in one so tough and gruff - it highlights the intensity of his sacrifice for his new family next door.

I only need watch the last few minutes of "Gran Torino" to get the full emotional effect.

The same can be said for "It's a Wonderful Life". Another movie that I need only watch the last few moments, including when the friends and family stream in to donate to George Bailey's cause, before I  dissolve to tears and become a blubbering idiot. It's probably a far more common reaction to "It's a Wonderful Life". I wonder how many people have a similar reaction to "Gran Torino" -  consistently.

It's true I well-up at Hallmark, McDonald's and Folger's commercials. Especially around the holidays. It's true I get teary eyed at my children's achievements and moments. It's true that when Pastor Dan is preaching an emotional sermon, I will likely need a tissue or two. I have never had a tough skin. Like Jell-O that didn't properly set, I have never become hardened to life's sadder moments. It must translate to a hyper-empathy level than the average person. Or something like that.

I see and feel sadness and happiness in powerful degrees. This blubbering idiot is three quarters heart and one quarter brain!

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  1. BBHSeptember 29, 2010 at 8:05 PM

    Your emotional reactions definitely resound w/ me. I think your Grandpa Bowen's genes show up in both of us. I think my sons know when something will make me get teary before I do. I love good movies. But then again, maybe you were really crying because of the crunches!!!

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  2. UnknownSeptember 29, 2010 at 10:08 PM

    My guarantee tear-jerker: The Color Purple when Whoopie Goldberg (Celie) cries out: "Nettie!" in the flower field. I can turn to the movie right at this point and start balling like I've watched the whole movie.

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  3. UnknownSeptember 30, 2010 at 5:12 AM

    A soft heart is a Gift from God, Kathleen. It's my belief that a soft heart leads you to many of God's Blessings, ergo, you are truly blessed!
    Oh and btw, those holiday commercials are just around the bend. Let us invest in the Kleenex company together! :)

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  4. Kathleen Bowen PigginsSeptember 30, 2010 at 10:04 AM

    I love that my family, sister in tears each of you!, all have similar blubbering inclinations! Grandpa lives in each of us!!!
    Love you all!

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