Fairytales and Tornados

When I was growing up in the 1960's and 70's, there were no VCRs, DVDs, or DVRs. You had to wait for the appropriate season to watch the television special that celebrated the corresponding holiday. You had to wait until Halloween to see if Charlie Brown would get anything other than a rock in his trick or treat bag. You had to wait til Christmas to see if the Grinch would steal it. You had to wait until Passover to watch Charlton Heston part the Red Sea. It was an annual event, although I do not remember what event the occasions were marking, for the broadcast of the movies Cinderella and the Wizard of Oz. My family took these events very seriously. My sister, Mom and I would take our places in front of the TV. My dad would peek in, not really a true fan of princesses or flying monkeys. Although he did make a point to be present for Judy Garland's performance of "Over the Rainbow".
There is so much symbolism in each of the movies. The experts have analyzed, discussed and dissected them thoroughly over the years. It was all lost on me in the innocence of my childhood. All I saw was glass slippers and ruby slippers.

But here, at this moment, the contrast of my two most  cherished childhood movie favorites is compelling. Tornados struck in the southern states here in our own country bringing devastation and taking lives. Across the pond, a modern fairytale took place bringing hope and joy to a country.

It's fun for me to find joy watching a special wedding on TV. It's with sorrow and a heavy heart that I pray for the lives affected across the south. Yeah, it's easy for me, here in my comfy chair, here in my Shalom Babayit.