The Shawshank Redemption Factor

There are a dozen or so movies that I can watch over and over again. These are the movies that I can't seem to change the channel on. Last night, I was channel surfing when I came across one of those movies, "The Shawshank Redemption". Although I've seen this movie numerous times one quote made perfect sense in these times when I'm trying to make sense of Worke's passing. The quote came after Andy Dufresne's escape from Shawshank prison as Red narrates his feelings. Although Red's feelings are about Andy's escape, I couldn't ignore the correlation Worke's passing created in my life. The emptiness and the loneliness.

I have to remind myself that some birds aren't
meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.[empahasis added]

Near the end of the movie as Red is reading a letter from Andy he reads these words,

Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.

And so I hope to live by his example. And I hope to see him one day.

Arba (40 Days)

Tomorrow, Sunday February 5, 2006 marks 40 days since our Worke passed. Please keep him and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.