Just a few thoughts on the newest Chick Flick in Theaters, Me Before You

Best Day Ever!! 05/13/2016

There is a movie out right now called Me Before You. It is based on a book that came out in 2012. I will be the first to admit that I cried during the 2 minute trailer that played during my required ad break on Youtube whilst enjoying funny cat videos. We're talking all out big crocodile tears that came so suddenly that the mucus in my nose also decided to retreat leaving me in a snotty(literally), weepy mess with no tissue I might add.

Finally. A movie that can give a glimpse into the life I share with my husband. Well, sure it would be a tiny speck of a glimpse because I wasn't Tony's hired caregiver and Tony is only paralyzed from the waist down (still the result of a terrible accident). But still. It was so refreshing to see Hollywood making something that portrayed parts of our love story. I was convinced by the trailer alone that I wanted to see the movie and yes, even wanted my husband to accompany me. I had it all mapped out in my head; a lovely dinner at our favorite restaurant in town and then off to watch this movie that would give us lovey-dovey butterflies in our stomachs and stars in our eyes.

Tony graduating with his B.S. in Nutrition

Then. Then, I was approached by a few people asking me if I was still going to go see this movie despite the whole 'assisted suicide' thing. Hmm, beg pardon?  You guys, it pays to do research. I frankly haven't read a fiction novel since high school (scold me later, thanks) so I was not aware of this rather small (large) detail. This small (large) detail completely changed my view of the movie.

Honestly, really? This post is not for the sake of political correctness, but simply for human decency. To insinuate that life is not worth living because you are confined to a wheelchair infuriates me. It is my husband's zeal for life and determination to live (and strikingly good looks; he's a hottie!) that initially attracted me to him (Oh, and the whole bit of humbly trying to be completely surrendered to Jesus helped too.) 

Then, to portray this martyrdom of sorts that the male lead is saving his lady from a life of caregiving goes against every grain that my wedding vows are woven with. I promised to love Tony in comfort and pain, in joy and sorrow, in abundance and without...through every season, in every moment of this life until death and only death do us part. Part of marriage is bearing one another's burdens. Frankly, I am extremely new at this. (We just got married on May 13th.) Tony extends so much grace and offers incredible vulnerability when I have had to ask questions and continue to ask questions that I don't know the answer to in regards to his disability. 

Honeymoon Dinner Cruise!

And yes, I knew what I was getting into; I was well aware that my boyfriend, fiancee', and now husband became paralyzed in 2007. We didn't meet until 2011, so yeah...you do the math. He was dealing with this burden well before he met me. Does it keep him from enjoying life? Sometimes. Chronic pain is a beast of many levels. But, does it make him want to stop living? No. Does he want to spare me from helping him carry this burden? No. Marriage is about carrying the load together; putting your spouse's needs before your own. I am humbled to be Tony's wife; his confidant, his lover; it is truly an honor. I am grateful that he is my husband; he carries my insecurities, my fears, and encourages me continually while loving me unconditionally. 

Hey, Hollywood. Make a movie about this. Simply call it, Us. I'd go see it. :) Though, I should probably write the book for you first.