For Tanner and Bryan

Last night I had the pleasure of going to the little theater in the bottom of the BYU Library that shows classic films from actual film strips (not just dvds!). It was pretty neat. The featured film? "It's a Wonderful Life". As some of you may already know, I've never had fond feelings toward that movie. Three Christmases ago I decided to give it another try (since I could remember the last time I'd seen it), and realized I didn't remember hardly anything about it. It was like watching a whole new movie. And I liked it well enough. Turns out the movie was fine, I just couldn't get over Jimmy Stewart.

But as I sat in that little, boiling-hot, theater room, with adults of all ages, experiencing the magic of the movie in a whole new way, it finally clicked; the puzzle pieced together in my heart. I laughed at the clever wit of George and Harry Bailey, grimaced at Mr. Potter as best I could, felt inspired by the beauty and class of Mary, and the final scene prompted tears that would not stop! Seriously - I feel like the woman next to me was probably thinking "what is wrong with this girl??" But I didn't care; I felt so good! And I still feel good! My feelings for Jimmy Stewart haven't changed, though - sorry. But even I can admit that he performed wonderfully in that wonderful movie.

And I can finally join the rest of the world in saying "I love 'It's a Wonderful Life'!"

I feel good about that.