Crying
I don’t know if it’s hormonal (I didn’t think I had any of them left) or what, but in the past year, I’ve gone back to crying over just about everything. This is “good” crying, as opposed to “wanting to slit my wrists” crying. By good crying, I mean that it feels healthy and cleansing and normal–for me, anyway.
When I was younger, I cried easily. Yes, those Hallmark commercials got me every time. I remember going to a drive-in when I was about 18. My date and I arrived during the last five minutes of Midnight Cowboy, and I was absolutely inconsolable, without having a clue what the first 108 minutes had been about. (I don’t think that guy ever asked me out again). But then, for some unknown reason, I stopped crying. Not completely. Real life losses could certainly reduce me to tears, but I definitely was not the crybaby of my earlier years.
Now I’m back at it, and I’m glad. It feels, as I mentioned, cleansing. Here are a few of the things that have made me cry in the last year: a documentary on John Lennon, certain movies (The Namesake, Into the Wild, Atonement, Waitress, a few episodes of The Wire), a documentary on Martin Luther King, the anniversary of Bobby Kennedy’s death, the new NASA documentary, listening to my brother sing a song he wrote at my niece’s wedding, holding my new granddaughter for the first time and on and on. I’m also getting weepy as I write my work-in-progress (remember the sobfest??), which I view as a very good thing. If I weep, chances are fairly good my readers will be touched as well. During my “dry” period, however, I didn’t cry at all as I wrote, yet readers still reported their own tears, so perhaps my weep-o-meter is not terribly predictive.
Here’s what made me cry today. This is happy crying, so don’t be afraid. You may have already seen this video, because it’s made the rounds in the last week, but I saw it for the first time today and have to share. It’s a true story; I checked it out. The reunion is from the early 70’s. Make sure your sound is on, and let me know how it rates on your own personal weep-o-meter!
I agree with you about the crying…I think when I see my grandchildren do something sweet. When I see a lovely Mother’s Day card-my mother died at my age (60)…when I see a Father’s Day card-I never really knew my father-when my children do something great…The movie, “Steel Magnolias” and “Bridges…” Of course, many others. One part of BEFORE THE STORM (don’t want to give it away)…brought me to tears-not just one part actually. However, much of the crying the last few months-for me-has not been the GOOD KIND…I am rising from the ashes of the divorce…Diane-who knew getting a BLOG going could be so much work? I am trying to do it for teachers and readers…So far, I have no responses, but I do think it will take off. I admit to needing help with it. In the meantime, I am enjoying my vacation at the beach, working on lesson plans, and reading some great stuff!!!!
Me! Me! I’m a crier (crier? is that a word? LOL). I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or what, but I cry about everything. All good crying though. Believe it or not, the movie The Wizard of Oz makes me cry, every time. (one of my favorite movies by the way)
I must be weird because I love to cry. LOL Somehow it makes me feel a whole lot better.
Omigod Diane, this video had me in tears! It’s the most touching scene I’ve seen in a long time…thx so much for sharing this. It reminds me so much of the movie BORN FREE where I cried and cried. Now I need to grab some kleenex as people are looking at me a little strangely.
LOL, Brenda. I could have told you how much work blogging is. It’s a total time sink, but I enjoy it so much. I love having the chance to interact with my readers.
Gina, I think you understand exactly why I’m glad to return to my crying nature.
Margo, I knew the video would slay you. You’re such a softie, it was almost cruel of me to share it with you. Don’t you love it when that flash of recognition comes into the lion’s face? I think I’ve watched this ten times now.
Yes Diane, I think that is where I really broke down. I know I’ve watched it at least 5 more times but I waited till people were not around me because I started the sobbing all over again. There’s something about the connection between humans and animals that puts me over the edge everytime. I can’t stand it when an animal dies in a movie or book so plz Diane, promise me you’ll never let that happen in one of your future novels…I don’t think I’d be able to take it.
Oh Diane, don’t get me started! How your timing is so intuitive. A friend of mine on another blog (Edward Piercey – Detective Fiction writer) had just lost his dachsie of over 12 years just last week. It reminded me so much of my loss 4 years ago of my Lady. My best friend for over 13 years and my child. I have forgone the urge to get another stray or abandoned pet beccause 1) I didn’t think I could measure up to the care I would want to give and 2) I was afraid the new pet would always remind me of what I’d lost.
Thanks so much for sharing the video. I still reminisce.
BTW, I don’t really thinks it’s hormonal in my case :)… just sentimental!
We’re looking forward to seeing you soon. Good luck with the book signing!
Margo, I hereby promise never to kill an animal in one of my stories. People, though, are another matter, as you’ve no doubt noticed.
Glen, there’s such pain in losing a pet. Mine have also been my babies (my stepdaughters came to me half grown). I know different people have different ways of handling the loss of a pet. Some can’t imagine getting another. Some wait a period of time. Others, like me, get another pet immediately. I can’t stand the empty place in the house. The lion in the video, with his head-butting and the paw-around-his-loved-one’s-leg, reminds me of a couple of my big, ol’ dogs.
Ack! Why are we all torturing ourselves??
I have not looked at the video – my computer is so slow that it would take forever to download it. If it is about an animal I would definitely BOO HOO!!!!
Glen, I know how you feel – losing a pet is so hard.My last German Shepherd lived for 13 years and died 20 years ago and I still dream of him. They are all good dreams. I have many grandpets now but none of my own.
Diane, I know you will have a wonderful time at Topsail. It really is a little piece of heaven on earth!
I couldn’t watch the video. Our dog, Mitsy, a mix tiny dog, was raised with our kids. She had to be put down when they were in college-killed all of us. She was l7. We had already purchased Pepper, a small Schnauzer, but she died when she was about 13. I had Molly, a tiny, tiny Schnauzer for three years. I had to give her to a friend who has another Schnauzer when I recently divorced. She was alone from 7 in the A.M. until 9 P.M. while I worked two jobs…she was in a kennel every time I left town. I couldn’t stand it. She is with my really good friend and is being spoiled. I know it sounds callous, but I had to do what is best for Molly. It hurt me and my grandchildren who adore her…I am too upset about her to watch anything about animals.
Gina-you sound so fantastic!!!!
Well, ladies, I leave on that plane tomorrow A.M. I will certainly miss my son…Although I have worked quite a bit on lesson plans, etc., while I have been here, I have certainly relaxed also. Home to stripping wallpaper and painting-anyone want to join in???
I just reread my email about my Molly-I am sure some of you can relate-it was such a hard decision…I still miss that little face, but my friend emails me regularly,and Molly is in heaven on earth…
Thanks for listening.
Sorry to get off topic here. But, I finished Brass Ring last night Diane.
Oh. My. God.
This one was sooooooooo good, you had me up every night wanting to finish it. You should see me trying to figure out what’s going to happen as I’m reading. I’m saying to myself…oh my, maybe this is what happens, or no, wait, THIS is what happens, oh no, that’s not it either. *stamps feet* Diane, I can NEVER figure out your angles!! You ALWAYS surprise me in the end. I love that! That sleezy Zed was a sick creep! And, thank you so much for bringing the two sisters together in the end. *tears*
Crying? Well, maybe I’m not so off-topic after all. LOL
Brenda, you did the right thing by your Misty. (By the way, the video is a happy story, but I understand not wanting to watch anything emotional when it comes to animals).
Gina, I’m so glad you enjoyed Brass Ring! You made me miss those old characters (well, some of them anyway. You’re right about Zed).
Three more days–and nights–of revisions! Then next week, it’s off to Topsail for a booksigning.
I cry a lot more more now that my life is happier than when I was younger and in a horrible marriage. I think I was just numb then. 🙂 Then again, maybe it is the hormones. LOL
We just finished watching The Family Stone on tv, and that movie makes me cry every time. I think my hubby’s eyes were glistening, too, when I snuck a peek.
And animals…my brother’s 14-year-old dog Gidget died Tuesday. He is devastated, as is Gidget’s 8-year-old companion, Moondoggy. 🙁
Wonderful video!
I am a crier from way back. I even cry when Miss Universe wins. The sign of a good book/movie is how many times it makes me cry. I cried at all of my children’s school programs, including DARE graduation (go figure). My daughter always knew that when the looked out in the audience, she would see me wiping away some tears. The purity and innocence of children makes me cry. Happy crying is good!
Brenda, we are kindred spirits: I have an almost 9-year old Schnauzer named Einstein; he is my heart. I hope he lives forever.
I need to get *Brass Ring.*
Julie, Family Stone gets me, too. It does NOT get John. John doesn’t cry, ever. He’s certainly not unmoved, but not so much as a glistening eye over The Namesake, and if that movie didn’t do it to him, I don’t know what will. I am so sorry about Gidget. Give your brother a hug from me.
Denise, a DARE graduation sounds like the best reason in the world for a good, happy cry!
I suppose I need to rent Family Stone and The Namesake! I still have not seen Kite Runner, and I loved the book.
Diane, still have not found a job after 2 weeks so I have plenty of reason to cry. 🙁
Denise-my little Molly was a tiny little runt S.-about 7 pounds-so hard to give her away. On another note, I hope you find a job really soon. That is rough.
I arrived home this evening-after a long flight with, of course, change in Charlotte…does everything go through Charlotte??? My son wants me to return in August-if I survive the England trip, but I am not sure if I will be able to-I am also going to Indy to my daughter’s soon-I drive to her house.
Okay-now vacation for now is over-back to more work-girls, I have to start stripping wallpaper-yuck yuck…to be ready to paint when my daughter and her family arrive later in the week to help me. Feel free to come visit me. 🙂 🙂
I am having trouble getting the BLOG going-but I will give it until school starts. I think it will work better then…everyone is so busy.
I am getting out BRASS RING to read yet again in between my work…
Brenda, it must have been so hard to give her up. I actually adopted a little Schnauzer named Molly from my friend’s aging mom could no longer care for her. she was so precious! She was older when I got her so she only lived a few more years. Schnauzers are awesome.
You sure have a busy summer!
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of openings in the legal profession where I live and I’m tired of lawyers anyway so I’m applying for ever wacko job I can find! I’m praying something opens up soon; I do have an interview Monday which just happens to be my birthday so maybe that will bring me luck. 🙂
I wanted to let u all know my son was born at 8:15 pm tonite he is a healthy 8lbs 3oz and is 20 in long and very beautiful. I cried as soon as i heard him and his daddy cried more! I can share pics when i get out of the hospital.
Congratulations Krysia!!! That’s wonderful! 🙂
Blogging from the hospital? Now that’s a dedicated Diane Chamberlain fan. No drugs? :)))
Oh my gosh, Krysia! Congratulations! I know you thought he’d be making his entrance next Tuesday, so what a surprise. Can’t wait to see pictures.
Dear Readers,
The spammers have finally caught up to this blog. Please forgive me if any vulgar comments appear. Unfortunately, that was the risk I took when I opted to allow your comments to go through without waiting for my “approval.” I’m trying to keep up with the influx of spam, and am taking steps to stop it. If those steps don’t work, I may need to go back to the “approval” system. Hang in there, and we’ll see who wins this battle. 🙂
Krysia, I know what you are feeling-having a son and daughter. Congrats!!! Gina-I love Claire… (In BRASS RING) however, the girl who jumped (I leave out her name because she represents so many of us who have had to rise from the ashes and although we never contemplated suicide, we were at the bottom in our lives–she is “any woman” who felt she could not cope…besides the illness, etc.) I have often been in Claire’s place-not on the bridge-but with friends who felt like they wanted to be on the bridge…My majors are English and Psychology, and I listen to friends often…Denise-good luck with the job…my son is a corporate attorney-never goes into a court room and probably won’t…he is the nicest man I know… You’ll find a good lawyer…Yes, ladies, I travel a lot in the summer, but it is always where my children are or “GRANTS for the HUMANITIES for teachers…” That’s the only way I could afford to go.
Diane-I understand about the SPAM…I am so sick of it on my email, but thank goodness, I can block it…
This BLOG has to have the most faithful members if K. gets on it in the hospital-you are right, Glen.
WOW – Congratulations Krysia! Best wishes to you and your family.
Woo hoo, Krysia, congrats on your little gift! And he IS a gift as you no doubt know by now! I’m so happy for you. There is nothing as exciting as a newborn. 🙂
Glenn- i had lots of drugs. I was numb til 4 am. I had 2 have an emergency c-section. I have 2 say im typing from my cell, its kept me occupied when hes not in here. He is so far a good baby.
Krysia, I’m so happy for you! Let us know his name when you get a chance. Julie, my fav X-mas movie is THE FAMILY STONE…I’ve probably watched it at least 20 times and without a doubt will watch it another 20 times when it gets closer to Dec. Brenda, have a great time with your daughter and family & hope you can see your son in Aug….keep us posted about your trip to England! Diane, I’d give anything to be at your booksigning in Topsail this week…plz let us know how it goes…hope your about done with your revisions so you can have a little r&r.
Okay-girls, I am old or lazy…stripping wallpaper-I quit after one room-forget the bathrooms…
It is tiring. Then I am told I have blight on my shrubs and something horrible in my yard-when do the golden years start???? Okay-back to having fun…I am rereading Brass Ring…I LOVE that book each time I read it…
Diane-wish we could be at your signing.
Meet Gunnar
http://www.dropshots.com/lilfields
These are a few of his pictures from our stay.
Krysia, he’s GORGEOUS! seriously, that is a beautiful baby, and i know you’re going to have so much fun with him. I love the name Gunnar. As a matter of fact, the physical therapist in After the Storm is named Gunnar.
Hugs to you and the little one.
How ironic that you both picked the same name-so nice.
Diane-I might have asked this before. In fact, I think I have. OThers might be interested too…Why did you put Jon in a wheelchair (BRASS RING…) I hate to be repetitive, but every time I read one of your books, I have more questions…I will admit besides working like a “dawg” around here, I touched on my novel again…Margo chose the name…it is so horrible that I gave up on the WIP…
Krysia, what a sweetheart he is! Thx for sharing pics with us and blessings to all of you.
Krysia, that is one handsome little boy!!! So glad to meet him. Look forward to more pictures as he grows up.
Krysia-that is one absolutely beautiful child…what a miracle.