The Fault In Our Stars

I went and saw "The Fault In Our Stars" last Friday. This was a last minute, serendipitous outing - my son and his friends made plans to "go to the movies" and I assumed they were going to see "Transformers" (a group of teen boys - seemed logical to me). An hour before the movie's start, I learned they planned to see "The Fault in Our Stars", so I decided to join them and friend Jill, who was the evening's chauffeur.

Of course, Jill and I sat far away from our sons, and thus started the biggest cry-fest of my movie-going career. Wow, I could have gone through an entire box of tissues...[Instead, I found myself wishing I picked up more napkins from the snack bar]. Words cannot describe the gamut of emotions that coursed through my brain, heart and soul. And I was glad to have experienced it. The movie made me think and ponder - what actions I would take if I were faced with the inevitability of a young death? I would certainly take more risks, speak my mind more, after all what would you have to lose? But why should our actions be any different because of our "normal" lives? Aren't all of our days numbered? What should I be doing differently, right now? Something to think about.

I subsequently found the movie's soundtrack, downloaded it and cried some more. The title track, All of the Stars by Ed Sheeran is simply beautiful, haunting and heartbreaking. The official video features inspirational sayings that compliment the song.



Because I'm a glutton for punishment, I am considering reading the book now, just to take in the wonderful prose and yes, to cry some more....

It's just another night and I'm staring at the moon
I saw a shooting star and thought of you
I sang a lullaby by the waterside and knew
If you were here, I'd sing to you

You're on the other side
As the skyline splits in two
Miles away from seeing you

But I can see the stars from America
I wonder, do you see them too?

So open your eyes and see
The way our horizons meet
And all of the lights will lead
Into the night with me
And I know these scars will bleed
But both of our hearts believe
All of these stars will guide us home

I can hear your heart on the radio beat
They're playing "Chasing Cars" and I thought of us
Back to the time you were lying next to me
I looked across and fell in love

So I took your hand
Back through lamp-lit streets and knew
Everything led back to you

So can you see the stars over Amsterdam?
Hear the song my heart is beating to

So open your eyes and see
The way our horizons meet
And all of the lights will leave
Into the night with me
And I know these scars will bleed
But both of our hearts believe
All of these stars will guide us home

And oh
And oh
And oh whoa
I can see the stars from America

If you don't mind crying during a movie, I recommend seeing it. You'll remember what it was like to fall in love again, that fear should not transcend action, and even amidst a season of loss, life goes on.