There is a scene in the movie Forrest Gump that takes place on the shrimp boat.
The sun is warm, the sky is blue, and the waters are perfectly calm. The musical score sets a peaceful tone.
Forrest is busy working on the boat when a reflective Lt. Dan unexpectedly says, “Forrest, I never thanked you for saving my life.”
Forrest stops … surprised by his friend’s sudden disclosure.
Lt. Dan gives a little smile and then looks away. He pulls himself out of his wheelchair and onto the rail of the boat. He spins and jumps into the water, causing a big splash. We then see a tranquil Lt. Dan doing a floating backstroke with only the sea, the sky, and some distant clouds in the horizon.
In a voiceover Forrest observes, “He never actually said so, but I think he made his peace with God.”
It’s a dramatic scene because …
- Lt. Dan shows his humanity
- Lt. Dan shows gratitude
- Lt. Dan gives up his fight
The scene demonstrates that a message communicated is much more than solely spoken words.
Next Blog Title: Is Making Peace Harder than Continuing the Fight?
Next Blog Date: May 9, 2011