Just watched Coal Miner’s Daughter, again.
Every single time I watch that movie and I cry my eyes out.
I love that movie and I’ve watched it at least two dozen times thinking this time I’ll be fine. But no, when Loretta Lynn has her breakdown my eyes start to get misty.
Then when she comes back on stage in her country white dress and sings Coal Miner’s Daughter I lose it completely.
The funny thing is I can’t remember ever crying at another movie in my life.
I once asked Marilyn about my unusual emotional response. Her answer was so utterly impossible I tend to believe it.
A look came across her face I can’t explain. It was like a different person had just stepped into her body. She did not look like herself.
Her voice was deeper and more male than female. I even felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up like they did when we first met.
She said, “Tom, you are crying because you were once a coal miner. You had five children, but only one was a girl. Your wife died give birth to her.”
“She was your pride and joy. You dreamed of seeing her marry and leave West Virginia, so she could have a better life.”
“You died in a mine disaster exactly like the father in the movie. A disaster caused by inadequate safety precautions which you know means ‘owners greed’. Your daughter was still a young girl at the time.”
“You take this movie personally because it mirrors your own experience. You are still mourning your life being taken from you prematurely. Before you could watch your daughter grow, marry and live a good life.”
“This is also why you push so hard to give others the tools they need to empower themselves. To give them power over their lives. So they will not have to go through what you have experienced. So they will not have to live at the mercy of others.”
Then Marilyn came back as quickly as she had gone. She looked up and said, “I’m hungry; let’s get some pie.”
I pray that 2012 is a joyous and prosperous new year for you and all those you love.


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