The way we get by

On April 1, my niece-in-love (I borrowed this term from my sister-in-law-and-love) sent me a link to an article referencing a movie we had seen with her last year at the Full Frame Film Festival in Durham, NC. We've been going to this documentary film festival for several years now, ever since Sundance turned into what began to feel a bit like the "HBO-sponsored festival of stars" rather than unique ideas. I realize that's a bit harsh, but it started to become a bit like what the Mifflin Street Block Party in Madison was in 1985...greek students from the lakeshore in their Ray Bans slummin' it in our edgy neighborhood. Uncomfortable mingling with the hippies, they quickly searched out the pot brownies so they could try bites and giggle as they pretended to "feel it." Sorry, I digress.

The article was about a very special milestone that had been reached in Bangor, Maine. There, senior citizens greet and pay tribute to the service men and women who pass through Bangor en route to Iraq and Afghanistan. On this day, they had honored and their millionth service member.

The movie, The Way We Get By, is one of the finest I have ever seen and if you get the chance, please see it. It's focus is not for or against a particular political position on the wars, but rather it focuses on the lives of the senior citizens and the important job that they so willingly took on. It is a thoughtful commentary on war and life...and ironically a feel good tear jerker. You can rent The Way We Get By on Netflix.

The timing of this email was perfect, as we were just getting ready to head off to the 2010 film festival. More on that in my next post.