“It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946)

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is the ultimate gratitude film. George Bailey (James Stewart) facing jail and the demise of his beloved father’s savings and loan business, decides that his family would be better off without him so decides to take his life.

George Bailey (James Stewart)

Thank goodness for the rookie guardian angel, Clarence ((Henry Travers) Love him! “Everytime a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” Clarence grants George’s wish to have never been born and shows him exactly how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be had he never been born. In doing so, he teaches George a tremendous lesson on gratitude and helps him realize it is and he has a wonderful life.

Clarence (Henry Travers)

I bet we’ve all had that moment when we go, this is just too hard and messed up. Some come to the conclusion that life just isn’t worth living, and nobody would miss me anyway so what difference does it make.

Not everyone has a support person to hold them and say – it’s going to be alright – we can get through this together. I wrote a post about Robin Williams after he took his life because of how he touched me with his incredible talent. I cried not only for his family but for the countless others who’ve lost loved ones to the pain that is suicide.

George Bailey’s pain was real. James Stewart’s portrayal felt real and no matter how many times I watch Frank Capra’s enduring classic, I ball at all the same scenes. The love and compassion of George’s wife Mary, (Donna Reed) family and friends lift us all to a level of gratitude that just can’t be contained.

Wow! Even just writing and remembering that final scene brings tears to my eyes. Sixty-nine years later this movie still tugs at the heart strings.

What a blessing!  What a Gift!  What a Wonderful Life!