Scribbles

I was reading an article that Carey sent me that chronicles a day in the life of Roger Ebert. It was a very well written piece, saddening in so many ways, but uplifting in far more. There were times where I laughed at what I was reading and for a moment after I felt horrible for doing so. I realize now that I was laughing with him, as he is laughing too.

It is remarkable that a person could live through such trauma, a trauma that at times seems not worth living, and yet feel so enlightened with every passing day. It is not as though his trauma has ended and he is grateful, holding a new appreciation for life- it continues daily with his limitations, his pain, his own reflection and worst of all the pity and helpless stares from others. What has limited him in so many ways has inspired him to grow in others. It has reshaped him and allowed him to become more than what he was. For most it is a will to live. For Ebert it is a spirit that transcends will, driven by the passions, desires and joys we are able to experience over a lifetime. 

"I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out."- Roger Ebert


The article, written by Chris Jones for Esquire can be found here:
http://www.esquire.com/features/roger-ebert-0310