I’m going to show you a little bit of my geeky side with this post. Something everyone who knew me in middle school knows is that I LOVE the movie Titanic. LOVE. Favorite movie. I could give you the historical documentary and movie trivia commentary version of it if you wanted to endure 3 hours and 15 minutes of watching it with me. I own the 3 disc collector’s edition. I have a Swarovski crystal replica of the Heart of the Ocean (which I wore on 2 cruises and survived, I might add). I carried a picture of Rose and Jack in my wallet for years to remind myself that true love does exist. My dog is named Rose Dawson. You get it, right? The geekdom is real. My heart will, in fact, go on.
If you are a fellow fan, you’ll know that Titanic has made its way back to the big screen for the 20th anniversary showing. I took myself on a date to see it. It’s been years since I last saw it, and so much has changed in my life since then. These characters feel like old friends to me, as they provided such hope and comfort to me during the formative years of my life when I was questioning everything. What was particularly moving for me about seeing it again at this time in my life was how much my perspective has shifted.
I used to identify so strongly with Rose. I grew up in a small town where I felt trapped and where I felt like I had to edit out the parts of me that I knew people wouldn’t accept - much like Rose is expected to smooth out her rough edges and follow the Edwardian-era status quo. The scene when Jack tracks her down to open his heart to her has always been one of my favorites. I would imagine he was talking to me.
“Jack: Rose, you're no picnic, all right? You're a spoiled little brat, even, but under that, you're the most amazingly, astounding, wonderful girl- woman that I've ever known...
Rose: Jack, I...
Jack: No, let me try and get this out. You're ama- I'm not an idiot, I know how the world works. I've got ten bucks in my pocket, I have no-nothing to offer you and I know that. I understand. But I'm too involved now. You jump, I jump remember? I can't turn away without knowing you'll be all right. That's all that I want.
Rose: Well, I'm fine. I'll be fine…really.
Jack: Really? I don't think so. They've got you trapped, Rose. And you're gonna die if you don't break free. Maybe not right away because you're strong, but sooner or later, that fire that I love about you, Rose...that fire's gonna burn out.
Rose: It's not up to you to save me, Jack.
Jack: You're right. Only you can do that.”
The eye-opening part of watching this scene after going through some major shifts in my life (moving 1,000 miles from where I grew up, graduating from college, living on my own for the first time) is that I no longer related to Rose during this exchange. This means that I don’t feel trapped anymore! Let’s just take a moment to celebrate that victory, because that’s what it is for me! I found myself relating more to Jack’s words. Multiple situations have come up in my life lately where I found myself in Jack’s shoes, staking my heart for those I care about, extending the thought of “you jump, I jump”. We are in this together. It’s pretty awesome to realize that over the years, I’ve shifted from being the person drowning to trying my best to be a lifeguard. Jack puts his hand out to Rose, but she is the only one with the power to take it. He knows this, and he sticks his hand and his heart out anyway. That’s bravery. That’s living in your truth and your power.
Anyway…I also got a chance a few weeks ago to visit the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri. I have wanted to go there since I was 12, so it really was a dream come true! I spent 3 hours reading and looking at everything and soaking it all in. I learned some stories about Titanic passengers that I never knew before. For example, the Behr couple. He actually boarded the ship to pursue her despite her family’s disapproval. Read more about them here. The best part of the museum was the Grand Staircase. They have a full scale replica that you can actually walk on! *sigh* I definitely teared up as I walked up the stairs, because they also play music from the movie in that room. If you ever get the chance to go, DO IT!
Well, thanks to those of you who have stuck it out through my ramblings. Leave your thoughts for me in the comments below! What’s your favorite line from Titanic? Bring up the door thing if you dare, but I have a ready reply. Certain things are sacred to me, people. Don't come for Elvis or Abe Lincoln. Don't come for Titanic. My dog is perfect. Period.
Hugs and true love,
Amanda (and Rosie)