Independence Day

   Love the movie "Independence Day."  I didn't when I first watched it.  Thought it was hokey, with way over-the-top theatrics.  Plus, I'm not into aliens and sci-fi action flicks.  But when I watched it again, and again (it's been on AMC channel nearly every day for the past month), I got into the deeper messages.  Like facing fears and roadblocks that keep you from living life to the fullest.  Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith) faces his fear of commitment and that he'll never live his astronaut dream if he's tied down and finally marries Jasmine (Vivica A. Fox).  And he gets to fly the alien spaceship and be the hero, even better than being an astronaut.  David (Jeff Goldblum, who is totally hubba-hubba, love his cocky little swagger in the final scene!!) faces his fear of flying and goes with Hiller to upload the computer virus that brings down the alien's shields.  So, he gets to save the planet for real, instead of just through recycling and biking to work.  And David's father, Julius (Judd Hirsch), forgives God for his wife's death and turns to prayer again, bringing comfort to a group of terrified earthlings and letting go of the bitterness that kept him from enjoying life for so long.
   I love these triumphs and the quirky characters, but most of all I love that in the end it takes all of humanity working together, in our own unique ways, to defeat the aliens and save ourselves.  This may just be a movie, but the message that coming together is the only way to save our planet rings true.  I just hope it doesn't take an alien invasion to make it happen.
   Sending a very grateful shout-out to all our servicemen and women working hard and sacrificing every day to keep us safe.  And thanks to their families as well.  Coming from a military family myself, I know the families sacrifice just as much as their soldiers do.
   Yall have a happy, safe, and at least a little bit crrr-azy 4th of July!  And watch "Independence Day" if you get the chance.  Maybe you'll love it, too.