Just allowed myself to get lured into The Bridges of Madison County on the WE Channel. I love that story. It touches on so many of the complexities of life.
I remember when the film came out in 1995 and a co-worker told me she had walked out of the theater. She was horrified at the cheating. I was stupefied and thankful that I had a more nuanced view of life and relationships and what love is. The story is of a woman who stayed true to her family rather than leave and experience a rich, full love.
I so enjoyed being in Francesca’s world for three hours.
Thank you for sharing about this, Nancy! I loved that movie so much that I purchased it for my DVD library (as well as the soundtrack CD which is full of wonderful music). The first time I saw it, I was in the throes of the same dilemma as Francesca….stay in an unhappy marriage and lose myself in order to keep the family together or take a chance on Trusting the Universe to make things right if I followed my heart.
It was a gut-wrenching decision, and I was very afraid for what “might” happen, who “might” hate me, what others “might” think of me and what I would have to live with for the rest of my life.
But I made that decision, closed my eyes and took a gigantic leap from Illinois to California. When the dust cleared, I felt more mySelf than I had in 17 years.
And all those things I worried “might” happen? They never did.
When I watch this movie now, the part that continues to reach in and grab my heart is when Francesca is sitting in the truck in the pouring rain with her hand on the door handle, looking at Robert’s truck ahead of her. I can actually feel something in me being torn between two places, and it is a powerful moment.
Bravo to all of us who somehow manage to find the courage to follow our hearts, no matter how scary that Path appears to be. The Universe supports every step we take in Trust.
~Susette
Thank you for this amazing response to my post, Susette. I am inspired by your courage.