Several nights ago, Patrick and I watched “Casa Blanca” again. I have seen it no less than thirty times and most likely a lot more. I had received a text from Bill saying “Casa Blanca starts in 15 minutes” and when I got to the Living Room, Patrick had the TV on and ready to go. Hmmm, I am predictable.
It was on TNT and the hosts were talking about all of the quotes from the movie and how the dialog in this movie was so clever and witty and yet it was still able to tell a sad but hopeful, inspiring story.
I love old movies. Especially those with clever and memorable dialog and quotes. They connect me to my Mother.
Mother has lost so many of her memories; I try very hard to remember for her. Things she taught me and that we talked about so many years ago are rekindled when I watch one of her favorite movies or hear a favorite song of hers. It is a connection to the “Mama” that is still in there, just hard to access.
Mama loved books and both written and spoken words…and more than any “thing” that she could have given me, she has made me a lover of words as well. Years ago, she and I would read “Bartlett’s Quotations” and talk about the meaning of our favorites. I still have the large hardback copy she gave me, probably to keep me from borrowing hers!
Not long ago, I watched “Gone with the Wind” and that is my Mother’s all-time favorite movie. I imagine it is because she was a teenager in Atlanta when the movie premiered. When I was little, she would tell me the story of “Gone with the Wind” and she would describe in detail the costumes, the sets, the dialog and the characters. I knew the story and what it would look like before I saw the movie the first time.
Her favorite character was Melanie. I think the goodness and kind spirit appealed to her and she aspired to have that goodness.
Mother’s descriptions were so vivid that when I actually see the scenes in the movie, I can hear her describing them. The party at Twelve Oaks and Scarlett eating surrounded by all of her “beaus” is a special one. Mother’s description of the green and white dress Scarlett is wearing and the doe eyed Charles Hamilton’s reaction when she chooses him to get her dessert, makes me smile.
There are many other favorite parts of the movie and Mama and I have spent many hours, discussing, describing, enjoying and savoring the memory. Sometimes the discussions were more enjoyable than actually seeing the movie.
Because of the uncertainty of today’s world, I find comfort in the familiar. An old movie, a special song, a memory of when life was simple and afternoons were spent with Mama, both of us talking non-stop, laughing, and philosophizing about what was and what could be.
Now, Mama is only able to verbalize pieces of her memories. Sometimes when she is quiet and I see her sitting peacefully, I wonder if she remembers. I like to think she does, maybe not all of the “pieces” but that it is pleasant and gives her some joy and peace. I will continue to remember for her.
One of Mama’s favorites that I memorized years ago.
“There is a destiny which makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.” Edwin Markham
Thank you Mama for all that you sent into my life. I love you.
Peace and Love,
Linda
Musings of This Old Girl 