Look Around

Recently, I watched one of my favourite movies-Awakenings. Based on a true story, I appreciate the brilliant acting, filming, script, and directing, but also the chance to be reminded about life.

The story takes place in the early 70s in a chronic hospital in the Bronx, New York. A research doctor, Dr. Sayer, becomes interested in certain patients that are catatonic, yet catch balls that are thrown towards them. Through investigation and persistence, he is able to try a new drug on, first, one, then, all of these particular patients. They awaken, many after ten to twenty years of this coma-like state. Leonard Lowe is one of the main characters with whom Dr. Sayer forms a close friendship.

As Leonard awakens into adulthood, he longs to be able to experience the life he has been missing. Unfortunately, around this time, his body begins to become immune to the drug. Dr. Sayer sees the side-affects, but doesn't have a remedy.

One moment that awakens my senses is when Leonard requests that the board give him the right to go out alone for a walk.

Head Doctor: I'm curious. Um...What would you do if you went out?

Leonard: I'd go for a walk and look at things. I'd talk to people. I would decide if I want to go in this direction or that direction or straight ahead. I would do all the things that you people take for granted.

Head Doctor: And that's it?

Leonard: That's it.

When this request is denied, Leonard rushes to the door. As he is dragged away, the camera films from his view focusing on a glass door and warm sunshine slowly moving farther out of sight.

"I would do all the things that you people take for granted."

What do you take for granted? Can you walk? Have you ever enjoyed the feel of walking, the strength of your muscles, the ability to stretch and run and skip? If you are limited here, have you enjoyed the other senses? The smell of crisp fall air; the touch of a hand or the feel of soft fur; the taste of your favourite meal; the sound of music or laughter; the beauty of a landscape, picture, or face?

When was the last time you longed to see someone and realized how great the ache would be if they were not there? It is like waking from a dream to imagine a family member, friend, pet that you love, gone; then to reaffirm your love for that one as if you received them back from the dead.

The freedoms we have to make decisions: instead of dreading grocery shopping, try to imagine countries without grocery stores. Then open your eyes to all the richness before you.

With the Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend and the American next month and with Christmas less than a few months away, the fall is a wonderful time to slow down and become intoxicated with gratitude for all that God has given.

We have so much, don't we? What are you thankful for?