STEEL MAGNOLIAS

The play, Steel Magnolias is based on a true story and is one that all women should see! The movie is wonderful, too, starring some memorable actresses such as, Dolly Parton, Sally Fields, Julia Roberts and other favorites.

My sisters, nieces, and some friends, including two ladies from our nearby recovery center, all joined me last Sunday for the 3:00 p.m. matinee showing at our local Strand Theatre.

Revolving around Truvy's Beauty Parlor in a small parish in modern-day (1987) Louisiana, this is the story of a close-knit circle of friends whose lives come together there. Through the views of these different women we see love, apathy, pain, and loss. Dreams built and burnt, the power of hope, the love between a mother and her child and the bond that can be so unbreakable between true friends.

Shelby, the young lady in the story had a line that I want to remember forever:

"I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special."

The play was only one part of this very special day. All proceeds from each ticket went directly to our local homeless shelter MUST Ministries, which means these six local actresses gave 100% of their time and talents for this cause. What a remarkable example of service for all of us!

In addition to the MUST donation, as I stated above, I was accompanied by my three sisters, three nieces, a nephew's mother-in-law, and two of my lady friends who are in the process of healing and on a good path right now...Among the ten of us, there was much laughter, many tears. Just being together, in this group of strong women, watching this story unfold, we experienced way more than thirty minutes of wonderful and for that I am so grateful!