"Memory… I can smile at the old days. I remember, the time I knew what happiness was, let the memory live again.” (Cats, 1981, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Composer) 

Welcome Friends and Fans! As October looms and we prepare for the launch of a new product centered on family history, I am spending time with my family and discovering how the power of reminiscence can bring us together to share in great stories and build lasting memories! In my absence, please enjoy a visit to the October 2012 Blog  Retitled:  Family and the Power of Reminiscence. 

In  Fiddler on the Roof (the focus of the  September Blog) we find an excellent example of the family in the musical film.

The feeling is not lost on Meet Me in St. Louis.  In this film, we find endearing sisterly bonds together with strong values.

When discussing this film in individual or group session, I find great insights into the sisters’ support of each other as one (Garland) is experiencing her first crush on “The Boy Next Door” and another (O’Brien), deals with the emotions of having to leave St. Louis for New York.

Of course, as in many of the films, when we discuss “crushes,” it leads to great reminiscence from the ladies about flirting dating, and proper  “socially acceptable” behavior between the sexes.  I am particularly impressed as are the ladies in my group, by John Truitt’s respect for the sisters as he addresses each one as “Miss.”

On the other hand, when Esther suggests she is going to let John Truitt kiss (her), her sister is scandalized! “Nice girls don’t let boys kiss them until they’re engaged!” Does that mean Esther isn’t a good girl?  Some interesting comments come out here.

The differences that exist between socially acceptable behaviors in your mother/grandmother’s day vs. today are also a great discussion topic:

“ What do we think of girls who ask boys to kiss them?” 

• “What do we think of men who compare us to their grandmother?” 

•  When we find the one we want, and he wants to marry, should we or shouldn’t we?

• Should we marry and separate from our family to prevent a long distance relationship?

The specter of the long distance relationship for Esther and John rears its head when Mr. Smith is offered a job in New York. His family faces emotions of separation from the home they love just before the World’s Fair.

The question, “Can you be happy anywhere as long as you’re together (with your family)?” is a powerful one. The stories from my group, often center around the first time the ladies moved away from the families to start new ones with their husbands. 

As I look at this film with my clients/groups, I remember why I enjoy it! It deals with some serious themes with sweetness, allowing the characters to sing about them when the characters sing my group sings! (Think automatic speech goals here).  Who doesn’t know Meet Me in St Louis, The Trolley Song, and The Boy Next Door?   Who doesn’t have great memories of their first crush? Everyone recalls a holiday memory from Halloween to Christmas!

Is there a better place to explore the joy, sadness and change in family life than through the holidays with Judy Garland and the Smith family in Meet Me in St. Louis?

Share your thoughts with me!

Happy Halloween!

Look for our Sister Site Meaningful Memory Maker in the Holiday Edition of Reminisce Extra! It hits newsstands October 26th. Enter to win one of five (5) special prizes! Don't be left out!

--Lori