Often, when we leave a friend’s house, my husband says, “Good party, no whiskey, we go home now.” He only does this at the home of really good friends. Fortunately, they all know he is quoting a favorite line from John Wayne’s classic movie McClintock. Movie lines are a love language in our family.
When one of our children had a rash on their leg and thought it might be leprosy, we used to quote Kindergarten Cop, “It’s not a Tumah!” Of course, then, one day it was. That joke isn’t so funny anymore, but we still use it. I mean, it’s not always a tumor. Serenity tells that story much more beautifully than I just did in her memoir The Thank You Room. You should read it.
When one of us thinks the world is being unfair, we say, “Life is pain, Highness…” from Princess Bride. And when someone faces a financial crises, we can always count on the papa to sing out, “Would it upset some vast eternal plan, if I were a wealthy man?” Fiddler on the Roof.
Of course, we are really saying much more in this secret, family code. We are saying, “Hey remember that time we were all snuggled in the living room on a rainy afternoon and we watched that movie and laughed really hard? Or the time we cried and then had that long talk about the meaning of life and the promises of God? Yeah. Capture that feeling and hold onto it, because we are all still there with you in our hearts.”
And, it probably isn’t a tumor.
I love it!
Or when we know the answer to our current dilemma is right there if we can just apply it correctly? “Turns out, I have a rose garden.”
I love this language. I love movies. I’m so glad people occasionally make great ones.
Ooo, the Rose Garden. I forgot that one.
Kathy, what a warm and fuzzy feeling I get when I read your smiley words!
I love this! My family does this too. “These mashed potatoes are so creamy.” “Daisies are the friendliest flower.” And on and on.
Ah, daisies! Yes.
Yep, we do it too. Favorite lines make for smiles and laughter, they break the tension, they remind us of happier times, and you have quoted almost all of ours on this post and comments. I think Rog and Wendell must have gone to the movies a lot together when they were young, cause they both use the same quotes from the same movies. Love it!
Our men are cut from the same cloth, Andrea. To quote John Wayne’s wife, they come from a time when men were men and women were grateful 🙂
Amen!!