Love.

If love lives through all life; and survives through all sorrow; and remains steadfast with us through all changes; and in all darkness of spirit burns brightly; and, if we die, deplores us for ever, and loves still equally; and exists with the very last gasp and throb of the faithful bosom--whence it passes with the pure soul, beyond death; surely it shall be immortal!

WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY

I was very anxious to choose this book since it is one of my all time favorite movies. I was afraid that since I enjoyed the movie so much, everything would be ruined if I found out that the two where very different. There are significant changes among them right from the beginning. But all those differences are easily overlooked because what I love about the movie seems to be as equally strong a theme in the book: what true love can endure.

Now, I have never thought of myself as a romantic. And my idea of love is often vastly different then those around me. Because for me love is shown through sacrifice and sacrifice is only unselfish when done OUT OF love. Love and Sacrifice are interchangeable for me I guess. Which makes me something of an oddity I suppose. And a fan of stories where loves is tested and made to endure endless trails before there is rest. Which luckily for me, What Dreams May Come is.

I adore how devoted Chris and Ann are to each other. How it is impossible to think of one without the other because only together are they whole. It is something that even their daughter remarks on in a letter. I envy her for being a witness to that kind of love. Where even outside the bedroom the pair were making love; with a look, a kiss or a still, holding embrace. That is my type of "romance." Natural, soft and unquestioning to the outside world but deeply felt and guarded within the soul.

I look forward to trailing behind Chris as he goes on this journey, with Ann ever on his mind and within his heart. And my only hope is that their love is strong enough for the trails ahead.

A Sad Beginning

I will be honest, it was hard for me to read this book when I was pregnant.  This book is about losing a spouse and of course being pregnant I was very emotional.  I just started reading it again and my emotions are more under control.  The first section of the book is about heartache and struggle.  First Chris is struggling to stay alive and then in death he is struggling to understand what is happening and  to communicate with his wife, Ann.  Chris is seeing all the sadness over his death - at the hospital, his funeral, and his family's life afterwards - and all the while he is watching Ann's heartache over his death.  Everything he is experiencing is painful and he is helpless to reassure his family he is with them. While the concept of the book is interesting, it was hard for me to get through this section.

I am curious, would you stick around after death like Chris?  After reading Chris' account, I wouldn't want to but I think I would have the same reaction as Chris with being confused as to what is happening and denying that I had died.