Letters to God

For what seemed like eternity, our neighbor's RV was parked outside our bedroom window. When I looked out, the dad from the Walton's and a bald boy with a knit hat stared back at me.

The RV is wrapped to advertise the movie, Letters to God, which comes out on April 9. My neighbor promotes films and thought this might be a good way to get the word out. We certainly got the message.

Last week, my neighbor asked if I wanted to see a sneak preview of the movie. Curiosity and a night out ensured my acceptance.

The film is based on a true story - and to the credit of the writer, producer and director - they deliver a message of hope and prayer. In addition, they share resources and information about cancer organizations available to help families and individuals affected by this disease. A number of national and international organizations support the movie.

The movie is about a boy, Tyler, who has brain cancer. As a coping mechanism, he writes letters to God explaining what is going on around him, to him and to the other people in his life. This story demonstrates how this boy and these letters change the course of many people's lives.

Some of the movie is hokey; okay a lot of the movie is hokey. At times, it felt like an Afterschool Special or a Lifetime Original. The actor playing Tyler is excellent, and that helps to overlook some of the other bad acting. There are some scenes done well with good music. But there are others that made me cringe in my seat.

At the serious parts, it did make me think about my relationships with my typical children and how they are affected by Ben's special needs and the attention he gets from us. I thought about some of the questions I have posed in other postings about the gifts Ben has given us as well as the roller coaster of emotions we feel on a regular basis.

Overall, you need to bring tissues, an open mind and heart and take away a message of hope and love.