The Way We Get By - Beautiful

I know it's been 8 months since I posted anything, so that alone should indicate to anyone who reads this how freaking incredible and moving the documentary The Way We Get By must be.

This little film had me balling within the first ten minutes, and the waterworks came and went throughout the screening. It's sad, beautiful, and heartwarming. The documentary focuses on the three senior citizens pictured. They are Jerry Mundy (a veteran), Joan Gaudet (the director's mother), and Bill Knight (a World War II veteran). They are troop greeters at the Bangor International Airport. At any time of the day or night, they will be there to welcome the troops home as well as see them off. Listening to their honest, plain-spoken interviews was amazing. They share their fears, opinions, and hopes freely with the camera. I know that they would shrug off any compliments given and point toward the troops as the ones truly deserving praise (as shown a couple of times in the film), but these three individuals should be celebrated and embraced. There are bumper stickers, magnets, and ribbons everywhere with the sentiment: "Support Our Troops," but it's not often you really see that support happening. These three have hardships and troubles in their lives, but they continue to go to the airport and welcome our troops home. I really cannot do the beauty of this documentary justice. It's already out on DVD and widely available. I highly recommend you find a copy and watch it. Just make sure to have tissues handy. Trust me, you'll need them.

If you'd like to know more, check out the film's website.