My friend Jason Crouch is intent on exposing me as the biggest emotional basket case of all time. How? By holding a writing competition entitled: Inspired By Movie Songs.
Some of you might know that I was a rock and roll musician of minor reknown, and you would think I would choose this clip of Tiny Dancer from the movie Almost Famous. It's got everything...a great classic song, a rock band, a movie title that described my band accurately and a rare cinematic tip of the hat to my hometown: the bumper sticker on the tour bus says Hemet Is Heaven!
Many know me as a music and film snob...so maybe something out there and strangely compelling, like this powerful scene from P.T. Anderson's film, Magnolia.
NOPE.
It turns out that the movie song that moves me most is this scene from Beauty and the Beast:
I seriously can't hear the first four lines of this song without getting all weepy. The movie has crept into my subconscious mind as a dramatic reminder of how fortunate I am to be with Jolynne.
We've been married for over 12 years now and have four kids. Aren't I supposed to gripe about the ol' ball and chain? Nuh-uh. It's as true today as it was on our first date (March 3rd, 1994 if you must know): Her love for me is an undeserved grace.
This song is all about undeserved grace, and looking for the best in someone. I've always been very introspective, and also dealt with a lifelong battle of depression. Both of those things lend toward an acute awareness of your flaws. That Jolynne loves me is a sure sign that there is a God and that he loves me.
I first saw the movie on a date with Jolynne. I thought back then that she had a resemblance to the lead character, the first Disney leading lady with brown hair and brown eyes...just like my bride.
I made the mistake of watching this movie with my kids a few years back. When this scene came around, I started weeping uncotrollably. My kids tried to console me and kept asking what was wrong. I had to explain how much I love their mom and how I was actually happy.
To show you how bad this scarred them...one time some of their cousins came over and were looking through the movies for something to watch. When one suggested "Beauty and the Beast" my kids shouted "No!" Casting furtive glances at their basketcase dad, I heard one of them whisper:
"We can't play that movie when our Dad is around. He'll start crying."
.............................I love you Jolynne.
Thank you for loving me.....................................................................................
Joey Aszterbaum is the Hemet Home Loan Guy, a big weepy sap and a total movie snob. Oh... and a member of the Active Rain social network of real estate professionals. To buy or refinance your home in Hemet, Riverside County, or California visit www.HemetHomeLoans.com or call 951.571.5751
This is one of the most wonderful posts you have ever written, Joey. The love shines through in every word. May that feeling continue every day for the rest of your lives together.
Roberta: My wife laughs at me about that...but I showed her the post and she teared up, so no more laughing at the sensitive guy!
William: It's easy to take it for granted. Thanks for reminding me how good I have it. Come back soon.
Lisa: Wow...that's quite a compliment. You know, the feelings are like lightning bugs...they show up regularly but you can't always catch 'em in a jar. Thanks for visiting!
Aw, Joey! You big softie! Do you even know how much that means to remember that date? You have a beautiful soul. Your kids are going to remember two things -- that you adore their mom, and that it's okay to show it. Good lessons.
Joey - You know I can relate to this. I cry at the drop of a hat, it seems, and it has only worsened (improved?) with time. And yes, I am intent on exposing you as a sensitive, caring man. You are a good friend, husband, and father. Thanks for entering this month, buddy.
Hi Joey -- fun post. The picture with the goats in the background reminds of my hubby's Organic Fruit and Vegetable Farm (goat milk and fertilized eggs as well) that he owned in Ben Lomond (in the Santa Cruz Mountains). Called the GRO Center Farm it was a place a lot of people came to cry, and weap, and pray, and buy food. There was a lot of love in that center, and in everyone living and working there as there seems to be in your family. God bless you all!,
Marchel: Glad to be of service! Laughter is the best medicine...especially at my expense. :) Thanks for coming by. You and Lisa must b e my most consistent readers. That means a lot to me.
Elaine: We're still not sure they're my kids, anyways. KIDDING. Yeah, I want to model affection for them. What's funny is that my oldest has picked up what a softie I am. When we see a movie and a touching moment happens, he turns to stare at me and see how I'll react. He's a goof, God bless 'im.
Jason: So, after watching the football game on TV, I went out shooting beer cans and wolf-whistling at waitresses. I lost the arm-wrestling match, but that's alright because I won the chew-spitting contest. Oh yeah...and I broke a bottle over the head of a guy who called me a 'caring, sensitive man'. :) Seriously, this is only my second competition on AR, but your reminder email brought this right to the top of my mind and I had to share. Take care, my friend.
Lindsay: That is very sweet...thanks. My wife might laugh if my reputation was to always be sensitive, but I do have my moments of gratitude. Hold out for the right guy. Marriage is tough enough without settling for someone that isn't willing to stick it out and appreciate you. Take care!
Brian: It says in the book of Proverbs "Rejoice in the wife of your youth." There's some other juicy bits in that same passage, but that's enough to get the point. Thanks for swinging through!
I'm not sure who is more pathetic...you for crying over Beauty and the Beast, or me for crying while I read about you crying. Very sweet tribute from an obviously very sweet man. She's a lucky lady.
Joey - I haven't met Jolynne, but trust me, you deserve her. You are an exceptional human being with so much to offer those lucky enough to be in your presence.
Missy: I'm like that Sears ad: "The softer side..." Thanks for visiting. I 'met' your daughter today. We connected on Twitter. I hope you are doing great!
I wish you good luck with the judging, Joey, because you deserve it for dropping yor pants with Beauty and the Beast ;) Good stuff, my man. Very tender post. All us fellas are just big softies underneath. Except Crouch. He's a softie on this surface, and a total psychopath on the inside.
Joey, this is the kind of love we all look for. God bless you and your family. In my heart, Family is the most important entity in this life and in this world. Your priorities are straight and you deserve nothing but good to come your way.
You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar! My wife is my absolute best friend, and I take a lot of good-humored teasing when I'd rather spend my time watching a "chick-flick" (or anything for that matter) with her than going "out w/the guys"! Anyway...
Had been planning on sending you an e-mail, as I'd promised a day or two ago, but each click redirected me to yet another site. Tripping over this post - although entirely accidental - has been a true joy for me, so much thanks! At the moment though...
I'm (technically) manning the front-of-house for one of my Broker's/Mgmt Team's rental property's. It is, however, a relatively slow night/slow season. As a self-proclaimed and technically-challenged cyber-geek, I currently have 4-5 tabs open on my laptop, and am struggling to accomplish what may very well prove impossible. With all that said...
I just didn't want you wondering what kind of a guy would reach out to somebody, and than just never even stop in to say "hi" ... and this post made that point all the more clear to me. As the saying goes, please be patient w/me, as I'm a work in progress, and the Big Guy ain't anywhere near finished w/me yet!
I will be in/stay in touch Joe. It certainly is nice knowing that those of us "Good Guys" still out there don't always finish last!
Scott: No problems whatsoever. Take your time. I have about 23 spinning plates right now. It's just been a busy AR week for me. Thanks for coming by...come back soon.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. My kids laugh at me all of the time because I cry when things touch me. I always tell them that there are worse things in this world than a tender heart. Much worse things. Be proud of it. You take your lumps but if you feel things more than some others.
Hemet Mortgage and Real Estate Blog: buy or refinance, credit, things to do in Hemet, Realtor sales training and misc stuff from the Hemet Home Loan Guy a member of the Active Rain social network since 11/06.
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Joey, What a great post! It is wonderful that you are so in love with your wife! It's kinda funny that you freaked your kids out over the movie! :)