This morning has been one of those milestone mornings. There was nothing particularly special about this grey skies Sunday. We had a late breakfast, decided to movies and hang out. And it happened. My entire context for how I am living my life shifted. Again. Plus I have extracted a promise from my husband that involves our first born boy child being named Nelson. No matter how many Ha Ha’s the Simpsons equivalent has uttered.
You see earlier I was in tears over a movie based on rugby, of all things! It’s call Invictus. Have you seen it? I was a little late coming to this movie and I generally avoid sports movies. Only renting them if they are based on true stories and there is nothing else out.
Now Invictus is based around Nelson Mandella’s presidency around the time of the 1995 Rugby World Cup hosted by South Africa. And the way Mr Mandella used forgiveness and progress and love and rugby to unite a country. Leading the way from the top. The title of the movie comes from the poem of the same name. A poem that was said to have been an inspiration to the great man himself. Well, that’s my take on it anyway.
I was so touched by this movie. Perhaps it was because 10 years after 1995 (the setting of this movie), twp weeks after our wedding, I spent some time in South Africa loved it. Found the people to be so generous and beautiful. Some would say despite their struggle, I’m more inclined to believe, because of.
Whatever it was this movie moved me (I literally was bawling). The vision of one man. By the opportunity that each of has to choose our path and create our lives. As the poem says; I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul
And I want my children to know this. I want to be reminded of this when my life seems to be outside of my control. I will give my son a name that reminds each of us everyday of this. You know, when and if I am blessed with one. This morning has shifted my entire experience. I love how movies can do that. Have you seen Invictus? You should. In my opinion. Immediately.
Well enough from me. Enjoy the remainder of your Sunday.
Click below for the whole poem.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley.
Suger 
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