SPECIAL EDITION: “I Wish I Had a Million Dollars, Hot Dog!”

I don’t believe I’ve watched one particular movie more often then I’ve watchedIt’s a Wonderful Life. Each Holiday season, I’m reminded that the torture I get to inflict on my family by subjecting them to this 1940’s black and white classic is the “gift that keeps on giving” for me. My sister shares my love for this movie but, others? Eh, debatable. They make an effort and they play along with the tradition. Nevertheless, each year, I curl up on the couch, pour a strong drink and hit “Play” – trying my best to hide the hurt deep in my soul when they roll their eyes at the opening credits and then commence to fall fast asleep before Clarence even makes his grand entrance. One of these days, I’ll breakthrough their cold, dead hearts. Until then, whether it’s the 50th or the 100th time I see it, I’ll bawl uncontrollably when the closing credits roll. (Like Pavlov’s dog, cue up some “Auld Lang Syne” and my chin instinctively starts to quiver).What exactly is it that connects me so deeply with this particular movie?I think maybe it’s that so many of us can relate to ol’ George Bailey. I sure know I can.