LIFE IS A CIRCLE
Years ago I had a friend whose life seemed perfect... perfect husband, healthy. happy children, a to die for beautiful home and lots of money. At a time when I was struggling to hold things together financially from month to month, her life seemed like a fairytale.
"It's not what happens to us in this life that matters, its what we decide to do about it."
I watched an amazing movie yesterday, one that I had never heard of but because it had Judith Dench in it I took a chance. It is called PHILOMENA and is the story of an Irish woman who goes in search of the son she was forced to give up for adoption. She is aided by a rather grumpy and cynical reporter named Martin.
Anthony renamed Michael Hess
The movie, which is based on the real life events of Philomena Lee, is well told. With a couple of twists it gently leads you to a surprise ending. I found much more there than just a story. Its about dealing with the harshness of life and deciding to choose forgiveness and love over anger and bitterness. 
Although Philomena and Martin are at opposite ends of the spectrum they manage to travel this road together. They even bring the journey full circle.
I don't want to give away too many details but I highly recommend it. There's more there than meets the eye. You can watch it on Amazon.
In the the final scene Martin quotes T. S. Elliot
... and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time.
