Thursday, January 14, 2010

Thursday

I watched a documentary today that...
well... left me...
I really want to use a big, impressive word here.
But I got nothing.
Basically once the closing credits rolled, I just sat there
stunned.
I was angry, sad, shocked, inspired, impressed.
It's a devastating story.
But strangely and here's where I find the genius in this film
Strangely it wasn't depressing.
I want you to watch it.
This is why;
There's a legacy that we all leave behind.
We meet people throughout our life and
we make impressions on one another.
Big and small.
Good and bad.
I am one person.
One small person among 6,692,030,277 other persons.
I have a large family.
I have a comfortable number of friends.
I go to the same grocery store a few times a week and
interact with the checkers, the bag boy, the butchers.
I live in a small neighborhood and see my neighbors often.
I talk on the phone to strangers about
my bank account. my health insurance. my cable television.
I take Ginger to her Pediatrician and interact with
the secretary. the doctor. his assistant.
I go to church on Sunday with a large congregation
of familiar and non-familiar faces.
Do you get where I'm going with this?
Hundreds of people have in some way or another
been affected by my words. my actions. my silence.
my facial expressions. my body language. my temper.
my humor. my stories. my lies. my truths. my convictions.
my silliness. my seriousness. my sarcasm. my countenance.
I know this is all obvious.
But is that not an incredible power?
Am I sounding too preachy?
Too somber?
Lame?
And to those to whom I've unfortunately left a bad impression
on their lives...
Do I sound hypocritical?

I can't help it, after this film I'm left thinking...
What will be my legacy?
What will be said of me?

Dear Zachary: A Letter to His Son About His Father


Don't worry.
Im sure my next post will be about something really important...
like what new shoes I want.

But now...
I will press Publish Post
and then undoubtedly go about my night wondering
Did you roll your eyes while reading this?
Because I'm self conscious like that.



11 comments:

Whitney R said...

I'm self conscious, too. I'm scared to death what people will think/say/not say about today's post on something very personal that I wanted to share.

I'm hoping it doesn't backfire.

As for your post - I'm in such a somber mood at the moment that just watching that clip almost made me cry. I'm going to netflix the movie. I love netflix. And I love thought provoking posts. And posts about shoes.

Whitney R said...

and I love you.

aubri said...

Are you kidding me? I think that your post was awesome and so true. And you so weren't preachy but at the same time you really got me thinking. About really good things that I SHOULD think about. Thank you and I'm excited to watch the documentary.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like it is the most amazing story. What an awesome thing to do for someone and for his son. I am def. going to watch this too.

mel or kel said...

Looks like a good movie. I will definitely rent it!! I love your posts by the way. How is Vegas? We miss it

amber belmonte said...

just watched the clip and i'm gonna see if i can get it on netflix right now. it looks amazing.

hope your tomorrow is better than your today. xo

Rachelle Carling said...

Ali... I don't want to sound like an "cheeseball" but I can still remember the first time I met you in Cedar City at the Willowbrook apartments. You definitely left an impression on me -- but a good one!

I will forever think of your style and the way you made me laugh from be outspoken. You spoke your mind and I am totally envious of that! I love your blog and being able to in some sort of way keep in touch. Little Miss Ginger is one lucky gal... especially to have such a kickin' Mom.

Victoria Elder said...

wow is all i can say, need to see this

MY LITTLE DANTIES said...

OKAY SO ALEXIS YOU PROBABLY DONT REMEMBER ME AT ALL AND THIS IS PROBABLY SO WEIRD BUT AFTER I READ THIS POST I HAD TO LEAVE A COMMENT. MY FRESHMAN YEAR OF HIGHSCHOOL I WAS IN YEAR SEMINARY CLASS. EVERY MORNING YOU CAME IN AND YOU WERE ALWAYS SO NICE TO ME. AND WHEN WE ALL GOT TO SCHOOL YOU WERE SO HAPPY AND SMILEY. YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I KNOW I SOUND LIKE THIS LITTLE NERDY STALKING GIRL!!! BUT IM NOT I SWEAR.. (JASON CASTLE USE TO DRAG ME AROUND AND THATS HOW I USE TO NOTICE US. HE WANTED ME TO BE SOCIAL) YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON) HEART2HARTS.BLOGSPOT.COM TAVIA WILD WAS MY BEFORE MARRIED NAME

MY LITTLE DANTIES said...

OH AND I TOTALLY LOVED THAT MOVIE AND IT MADE ME THINK THE SAME YOU HAVE. HOW CAN I CHANGE MY LIFE SO THAT PEOPLE WILL BE AFFECTED BY ME. I CRIED AND CRIED. IT WAS TOTALLY MOVING!

Corynn said...

I totally want to see this now!