For crying out loud

Today has kinda been like a vacation. Jane and I both had the day off. We slept until 8, lounged a bit, went out for breakfast, and went to a movie this afternoon. Nice.

We went to see The Bucket List - which I wasn't particularly looking forward to. I thought it looked a little sappy for me, but me-lady wanted to see it... so, we went. There were several previews that actually looked good - though I can't remember the names of any of them right now. But one - a Marty Scorsese flick about the Rolling Stones - particularly got my interest. Lemme tell ya... in my little mind there isn't much that can top hearing those first few chords of Brown Sugar and seeing Keith Richards saunter out with his guitar. I thought that right there was going to make this day worthwhile.

The Bucket List was actually quite good though. I was surprised. But it's a tear-jerker. Man, let me tell you... I've cried during movies before, but there were several times when I thought I was going to go into uncontrollable sobbing. Seriously. I don't know if it was the movie, me, or what. I haven't had that much trouble holding back in awhile.

Which then made me think about the times I've cried the hardest. I'm sure there are times that I've forgotten about, but there are four times that stick out to me now. The first was at the funeral of my then-best friend. Skipper was 33 when he was killed and we had been best friends since freshman year of high school. I don't really remember crying when he died, but I was asked to give the eulogy at his funeral. It was the first time I'd ever done anything like that. I maintained composure during delivery, but when I was done and went back to my seat, it was the first time I ever remember publicly just losing it. I couldn't stop. After my good friend Marvin died was also particularly difficult. He was much older than me, but he took me under his wing when I came to this church and I didn't realize until way too late just how good of a friend he was. There were many times following his death that I wept uncontrollably in my office. It was similar to after my mother-in-law passed away. It's not that I was ever really close to her, but she was one of the truly good people I have known in my life. The fourth event that sticks out was Carrie's high school graduation (though Isaac's was similar). Something about the first child graduating. They were all tears of joy, but it was an emotional time for sure.

Yeah, I'm sounding like an old sap, aren't I? :) Kinda feel that way right now. But it's not all bad. I've been told more than once that I don't show enough emotion. Most of the time they're talking about during my sermons. You know, I just don't like doing that when I preach. But consider yourselves warned.... if you see The Bucket List, take some kleenex.

Peace out; peace in.