Here’s to The Underdogs

I hope everyone is off to a healthy and productive 2024. We are finally getting some winter weather! Snow has remained on the ground for a whole week and the Cape is as beautiful as ever. There is nothing quite like the winter light…the soft muted colors of nature and the color of the ocean is just spectacular and the winter sunsets are nothing short of inspirational.

I recently watched an old movie that I love. When I told my husband how much I loved this movie, he said, “You mean that sappy movie with Robby Benson?” Yep! Ice Castles. Pure gold out of 1978. Marvin Hamlisch wrote the music and it holds a dear place in my heart. It’s a story of a 16 year old figure skater (Lexi) who gets discovered by a world class figure skating coach who begins training her for the Olympics. The girl from small town America who no one ever heard of - the underdog, the dark horse - gets a chance to train for the Olympics. But, alas, her dream is crushed when Lexi is dealt a devastating blow - a career ending injury.

The music in that movie has literally inspired me my entire life. But what I love also are the characters-all underdogs-who had to fight for a living, fight to overcome obstacles, and fight for inner strength and peace.

My older brother, Jimmy died in 1980, so that movie will always remind me of my younger 15 year old self, who was also fighting for inner strength and an understanding of what was lost to our family. And in one scene at the end of the movie, before Lexi begins a long skate program, she whispers to herself, “This is for my mom.” Her mother died when she was a young girl. It sounds so strange because it’s a movie, but of course Lexi skates the most beautiful program and finishes on a high note-but trips over the roses on the ice after she finishes to a rousing standing ovation. No one knew she was blind. The whole arena goes silent until boyfriend Robby Benson goes on to the ice to help her up and says, “We forgot about the flowers.”

Like the character in the movie, I too whisper to my brother Jimmy and I hope he knows that he has inspired me to keep moving through the challenges. We all forget about the flowers, but with faith, you will be surprised at how strong you really are. Keep whispering-they hear you.

And sometimes we all need that reminder-even if it is from a sappy movie from the 70’s!!!

Stay warm or keep enjoying the warmth if you are south!!

Until next time.

In health and peace,

Debbie