Showing Realistic Grief - Manchester By The Sea
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
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In this video essay I examine the techniques writer and director Kenneth Lonergan uses to portray realistic grief in Manchester By the Sea.
Watch Manchester By the Sea for free on Amazon Prime: amzn.to/2y6Z7ec
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One of the most astounding element of this film is, quite frankly, its awkwardness. Or rather the awkwardness that emanates from a human being trying to share his grief to another human being. It truly captures the immensity of how difficult it is for people to connect on the unspeakable sufferings they go through in life. Such a wonderful film.
Seen this movie about 2 months ago and still can't get it out of my head. Brilliant film 😊
This is so true. This movie is an eye opener on the difficulty of communication, and the tragedy that it creates.
love this comment. thank u for this
Wow this is what I was tryna figure out. Thanks for putting it this way. It’s the awkwardness.
Curious Wolf woah. Damn.
I loved the subtle ways they used to show the trauma that Casey Affleck's character still feels from the fire. He stood next to the microwave and watched it until it was done heating up his food.
Good catch! I remember not knowing why that shot was in the film, but that actually makes perfect sense.
@@sandman9932 Yeah. That scene just escaped me. I thought it was just showing Lee lost in thought while doing mundane things. I'm like that at times. I can totally zone out xeroxing when depressed & I thought Lee was zoning out while microwaving. Lost in thought. Looking all attentive when not really.
Thats not groundbreaking or mindblowing or whatsoever lol
F is the bomb who said it was groundbreaking or mind blowing? Calm down you fool. It’s a clever detail.
I didn’t realize until after I saw it the impact of Patrick’s panic attack. I thought he was finally breaking down, but likewise, it was just a little detail about something being in the freezer, like his dad was.
why are these type of videos on youtube always have similar voice for the narrator?
There's a video essayist illuminate that dictates how we can speak.
@@ThomasFlight lol
Lmfao... It's just the meta bro
They’re all the same dude
I somehow always get a thought in my head about how much I like those video essay voices
“healing might be possible, but it won’t be cinematic.” what an excellent line, and an amazing video essay. i never comment on youtube videos but i was blown away by that.
No it wasn't. It was just somebody wasting time saying obvious things about an extremely accessible movie, overanalyzing little details to try to seem profound. This is extremely lazy "intellectualism".
@@john.premosewhat's your idea of something mind blowing or profound? Genuinely curious, but cant lie - your needlessly inflammatory response does piss me off both because its unnecessary and I appreciated the video.
@@FleccaRobinson I believe my point (in this 2 month old comment which I don't even really remember now) was that they were trying to compare it to or even say this movie was better than Shakespeare, but it's not. It's just easier than reading Shakespeare. None of that was profound. It was a good movie but just because it's accessible doesn't mean it's that deep.
the movie is only 2 hours 17 mins lenght but it feels like forever... i can feel the pain right into my chest from the very beginning. Casey was amazing in it, he really deserved those oscar!
It did to me. I didn't want it to end
Yes! The whole time I had a weird feeling in my chests and stomach. I wanted to pause it but when I did I would just think. The acting was phenomenal. And man don’t even even get me started on that police scene. Heart wrenching.
The best scene is the conversation between him and his ex wife when they come across each other on the street. THE most beautifully written dialogue in a scene EVER. Two people who have gone through the same tragedy who are both dealing with their grief in different ways and both desperately want to reconnect. But he will forever feel like he doesn't deserve a second chance at life no matter how bad she might want that second chance for him. This is seriously a greater tragedy than any Shakespeare tragedy.
I have cried every single time I have seen the scene or have been reminded of it
It’s one of the finest acted scenes I’ve ever seen.
She is trying to show him that in the long run he will survive only if he keeps walking the long dark process of grieving. But he's stuck in one spot and her renewed love for him (as a friend only this time) can't get through. They are both so helpless in this scene its unforgettable.
Affleck won the Best Actor that year, deservedly do. Williams was nominated, but did not win. She should have for that scene alone. The writing is spot on. When she says, 'let me finish' is exactly what my wife says. Williams' acting there was so f---ing honest, real, and heartbreaking. They say in screenwriting class, dialogue is not filled with fits and starts. It's how life should be, flows smootly, no mistakes.
This film shows the most powerful and realistic dialogue is in fits and starts and is awkward. Kudos to the screenwriter.
@@scottslotterbeck3796 agreed, she absolutely should have won - her performance was so real, it was phenomenal
The freezer scene is one of the best I've ever seen in cinema.
It´s really interesting how that particular scene has a lot of elements like comedy, mess, sadness and honesty. It feels so genuine.
My mom and I were the only ones laughing in the theater then we were the only ones loudly sobbing. All within a few seconds. Just a whiplash of emotions.
the realest scene in any movie ever
@@jackierosas9593 What? Can you please explain what part of the movie that was
The police station scene and the scene with Michelle williams are incredible too
The attempted suicide at the police station had me in tears. Watched it over and over
Kevin Jones just a REMARKABLE scene. I watched it over and over as well.
It's because you're empathetic. It's exactly what any of us who are would want to do if that just happened. I know I would just want to die...
Except it was predictable and set up to clean...You can see him get ready for it..telegraphing the move..oh well
Virtually no dialogue. And none needed. Devastating.
@@BX0207 Do better. If you can, which you can't. Waiting to see you get the Oscar.
The messy paramedic scene was a mistake on set. And Lonergan was genius enough to keep it.
I burst out laughing during that scene - one of my favorite movie scenes of all time.
Ya because those stretchers are battery operated and go up on their own..
No shit! It seems so intentional with the awkwardness of the movie.
@@BX0207 that's clearly a model that doesnt have a battery operated stretcher
@@gevseI didn't realize that was supposed to be funny.
I still have no clue how they made this masterpiece of a directed movie, everything was so real
i still have no clue how they did not awarded it with best picture...
Fantastic analysis. Short. Straight to the point with out the bloat. This film really surprised me as I was just waiting for that big emotional payoff to occur and it constantly subverted my expectations at every turn. In fact that the most emotionally satisfying moment for me was the scene towards the end of the film where they are playing the ball on the road. Was just wonderful to watch. Subscribed.
Thanks! I was debating ending the essay on that scene because it also felt very emotionally satisfying to me.
The worst break down I had during this movie was when he met Michelle Williams character on the street. Something about the awkwardness made my heart skipped a beat and then it broke my heart the next second. That is one of the best scenes I’ve ever seen in a movie.
It took me time to figured it out, but the scene where they are playing ball in the street after the funeral is literally brilliant, totally agree with you
@@ThomasFlight Sir, this was a fantastic post. The analysis of both the movie and the subject of grief was illuminating. Grief doesn't obey the rules--spot on.
@@d43imoet the love they still have for one another, when she says, I love you. Ugh!
Great job! This is exactly what I have been telling people when talking about why this film was so amazing. I would argue, in extension to showing realistic grief, that film itself might never accurately and fully display the deepest capacities of sorrow. Manchester By the Sea distances itself from the most intense moments of grief as if saying that it is not able capture those emotions truly. Replicating deep grief as a cinematic experience for the spectator, by highlighting dramatic moments, would do a disservice to its authenticity, or so I believe. However, excellent work! Keep making these video essays!
Thank you, and I think you're totally right. I love the idea that the film is restraining itself, to keep from "lying" because it knows it's own limitations.
Nobody understands why I love this "depressing" movie so much.. thank you!!!!
It's brilliantly acted and written. Most importantly, it kicks the audience in the gut, over and over again.
Visual experience ❤️❤️
Oh my god besides buying beer, he bought diapers, so sad
When he dreamt about his daughters and they asked if they were burning that gutted me. It conveyed the pain and regret perfectly.
What Lee never discussed with Patrick was that Patrick was not really upset about that his Dad was in a Freezer until they could bury him, but that he was never going to see or talk to his Dad again. That is really the essence of grief.
A friend told me he didn't think the panic attack scene was realistic since his own panic attacks wherent the same....i just wanted to out him to the world as an idiot.
NostalgiNorden lmao
Well, the guy was not a doctor ..... he said about not knowing what it is, maybe panic attack...yeah you are right it was not how panic attack looks.
I had panic attacks similar to that. My body would start to numb, my stomach would cramp and a throbbing vibration circles around my head. Its very painful.
panic attacks are different for each person. some shut down, some cry and shake, some don’t make a sound. your friend is kinda an idiot lmao
Bro that guy has no idea people who have panic attacks have different expriences
“Grief doesn’t obey the rules , grief doesn’t stop and start when it’s best suits the next beat in a screen play structure, grief can sneak up on you returning long after you wanted to , and sometimes it’s not there when it feels like it should be”
Just wow absolutely amazing quote 💔
I wished more people understood this concept and would stop telling others useless advice like "get over it" or what have you. If they care about people properly, they would give hurting people more space/listening ears than be toxic bystanders.
Good stuff. I think this movie caught me off guard with it's abrupt grief as opposed to the, for lack of a better word, manufactured grief that many movies show. It's a movie that, while I recognized was very good when I was watching it, has stuck with me and gotten better in my mind over just the last few weeks.
I never saw this movie but watching these clips nearly made me feel sick. I've been through quite a bit of moments like this at funerals. I come from an Irish-Catholic family that doesn't show their emotions. It makes me think of my Grandmother's wake and funeral. Of me trying to connect with the people there and share in my grief and it not being met. Of me bursting into tears in the car next to my cousin and him just ignoring me and talking over me. It was one of the loneliest moments of my life and made me realize I couldn't connect with my family in a way that I needed and I need to move on and find that connection elsewhere. I know this film may be brilliant...but I don't think I'll be able to watch it.
watch it!! one of the best ever.
@@thorbeorn4295 Lol he just explained why he won't be able to watch it.
Watch the film!
@@HAL--gb6uf Yeah, I get that, but maybe a good cry would help.
OMG hi.
I liked the ending because it wasn't tied up in a neat bow. He still wasn't done with his grief and his trauma but it seemed like he actually had hope that he could eventually get back to being a functional person.
Besides from keeping things more realistic and raw, I think that camera distance and silence help sustain the traumatic feeling about tragedy. It's almost like reality is so harsh, that not even the movie can bear saying it outloud or looking at it directly.
I noticed that during the story, it's always a cold weather, but Lee's trauma comes from heat, the fire, showing us a painful contrast.
Also the contrast between the trauma from fire and Patricks breakdown of the freezer
One of the best movies I have ever seen. Masterful direction and beautiful performances, especially by Affleck and Williams.
I've always wondered as to why the funeral scene of Lee's kids was deleted! But then I came to interpret that the movie tries to study characters in grief rather than coming up with cinematic emo scenes!
Writer's magic and Casey's portrayal!
agreed - I saw the funeral scene somewhere on youtube after having seen the movie in theater; and I immediately thought, I'm so glad they chose to cut that one out. We see the body bags, and that is all we need to know. I think usually it makes a film more successful to show as little as possible.
@@laurahenke Actually, I wanted that scene to be in the film. I felt it was powerful. I was stunned to learn that Lee couldn't/didn't attend the funeral while Randi was looking all around for him. It made me better understand why Lee was so ostracized by the community.
3 years later. I'm still obsessed with the movie and Now I think the Deleted Funeral scene should've made the cut.
6 years later. What the Fook you on about bro?
@@senthilvelan544 how are you man
To me this movie is a masterpiece. I suffer from depression myself and have cried myself through the movie because I see so much of myself in Lee. To me, the climax of the film is when Lee decides to move back and says "I can't beat it". I still don't fully understand this film or that line, and they never explain exactly what is means. But I guess he confesses that he can't stand being in Manchester because of his grief.
That line refers to how he can’t beat the guilt and shame in living in the same town where he killed his children.
He is unable to move on from his ex-wife. While he has managed to accept the loss of his children (and is why he is able to see them everyday in the picture frames) he has not been able to heal the loss of his wife (when he arrives at the hospital he still refers to her as his wife). Logically he knows their relationship is over but he still loves her and she him. The pain of seeing her but not being with her in that city is unbearable for him. Sadly even though Boston gives him some respite he is still stuck in his grief even there (he fights in the bar in Boston just as he fights back home).
Can he really not beat it or is that just what the character believes about himself. It’s up to the viewer if he’s right or not
Sorry but it is not grief. It is guilt. You got this wrong. grief is his wife's. He has of course sadness and his never enjoys anything but the guilt is the issue. He doesn't feel that he deserves happiness and if he feels happy even for a moment he feels more guilty. He is a man consumed by guilt so he creates his own prison, his own punishment. There is nothing he said. Grief is absolute of course. But his guilt is the issue. And how and if he deserves forgiveness. Cause he is guilty. As guilty as a drunk drives and kills. Yes the intention is not there but he was responsible absolutely and tottaly. He cant justify this.
I seen this movie today….he been through soo much….but when I watch her..I was like what the hell she had done?….I know she was mad at him…but she had to wait for situations to cool down..she had to assist her husband …I didn’t know why..but if they both stayed together..& had together..they both had less pain in their life…we have to take our decisions when we are in a present situation..otherwise we end up with more rigret…
People with good taste love this movie but people with Depression, PTSD or Suicidal tendencies will feel this movie and I belong to the latter category.
I always come back to this video for you saying “And healing might be possible, but it won’t be cinematic. It won’t come from a moment like this one. But it might come from a moment, like this” Such a beautiful analysis and moment in the video.
The grief never goes away it fades and Sometimes it comes back all at once. Such a great depiction of what it's actually like.
There's months from the day I watched this movie and until now I cannot really explain how it touches me. The tone, the rithym, those weird truly relations with the people he left behind, it's exactly what happens when se meet somebody from the neighborhood or the family, those compassive eyes to him and I recoginzed myself on his routine, his absence of purpose in getting out of this situation, he is just living cause he cannot end It. I felt really conected and sad about what happens to him. One of my favorits of ALL time
Lucas Hedges is absolutely amazing in this film
Hedges's Patrick Chandler is one of the best, most fully drawn movie teenagers ever. (The heroine of the same writer/director's film Margaret, played by Anna Paquin, is another. A lot of viewers cannot stand her, but I love her.)
I've never subscribed to someone with just six public videos.
But I did.
Quality over quantity!
It's crazy because, the entire time, I was waiting for the turn around to happen; especially during the boat scene with Lee, Patrick, and Sandy. It just never came.
Do you think it would have been better if it did?
@@scottslotterbeck3796 No. It would defeat the whole premise if the film.
Totally agree with your analysis because that's what I've been through with the death of my cousin. The grief, it hits you at the moment you don't expect, this movie truly captures my feeling and thought about death and the guilty of the living.
5:15 That is EXACTLY what I experienced when my father passed away last year. The emotions came up whenever I didn't expect them whereas when you'd expect me to cry the most, I couldn't.
In my experience in working with people in who have recently lost someone, grief has as many faces as there are people’s characters. Emotions we feel range from anger, through sadness, depression...but sometimes these people seem to feel nothing at all. There is no drama that we could notice as external observers. There could be no crying and no anger outbursts. Sometimes people just handle their daily tasks worse, more slowly...sometimes they start having marital problems. In some cases people start experiencing psychosomatic disorders of many types. And sometimes grief is just in awkward moments that our lives are full of.
liked the "distance" point.
Even years after first viewing this review I'm still moved by it. Mr. Flight's uncanny ability to both notice and then articulate the subtleties of this film impress me.
Interestingly enough, this past Monday (12/30/2019) I was at the funeral of my best friend's father. At the grave-site and as if on queue, his newborn baby boy began crying so loudly that his frustrated wife had to step far away from the group. I instantly thought of this scene and mentioned it to her (She has not seen the film). Just as Thomas points out, life isn't tidy and it certainly isn't scripted, and she shouldn't expect otherwise. After saying this, I offered to hold her baby so that she could focus on the graveside service. I would like to think that Thomas' observations of this film helped me to in turn help her at such an important moment in her life.
It really is the most beautifully heartbreaking movie
I only watched it a few days ago. wow... Hit me like a tonne of bricks. This movie knows a thing or two about real grief. When Adagio in G minor starts playing. OMG. Some of the most powerful cinematic moments ever. I have watched a lot of movies in my time. Affleck's performance was so real. Stunning.
Really loved this analysis, some great stuff here! Also thought the choice of aspect ratio was relevant to the realism of the story - the 4:3 ratio is used primarily for TV (not film) and TV is more widely associated with reality as opposed to the often fictional nature of cinema. Just thought I'd add!
I understand exactly what you mean about the aspect ratio being used more for TV rather than film. But Manchester By the Sea is in 1.85:1, not 4:3. Both of those ratios are used more often for TV.
I wonder if it was also because this was made for streaming services, and not just for a cinematic release. I find it interesting that The Avengers film was also shot in 1.85:1, perhaps because Joss Whedon was more used to the TV ratio.
@@luchilenium I don't know, but it was shot on an Arri Alexa, and that's the camera's standard aspect ratio I believe. 4:3 is available with a license, and is used for anamorphic lenses.
Such an incredible, brilliant and moving film. It portrays grief for what it is: messy, catatonic, angry and confusing; and, speaking from experience, a film that is cathartic for those suffering from grief.
In our lives we can't call 'time out' to deal with profound grief and other hardships. This gem of a movie illustrates this well. A well done look into coping under emotional stress.
this movie doesnt want u to love it, it just deserves your love by just being itself
wow that was said beautiful
Can you please suggest me more realistic giref movies?
I have watched Ryan Gosling enough.
Him holding up the grocery bag to the EMTs guts me everytime 💔💔💔💔💔💜💜💜💜💜
What a great break-down you've done of this movie. REALLY good job. This helped me understand the difference between making a masterpiece like this movie, and just making a...movie.
I'm a guy who doesn't agree very often with anyone but this is spot on
Ouch. I didn't understand this film when I watched it a few years ago. Now, seeing your essay, after my mother passed away recently, it cuts deeply.
i’m sorry about your mother😪
you need to deliver a similar video essay like this but from phantom thread , which is such a great film with a plenty of material to be analyzed. Congrats on such a deep-emotional review
Excellent commentary on a remarkable movie. Casey Affleck was amazing.
It is still beyond me how she brings her child to the funeral where he is. I can't comprehend that
Who would watch the kid? Her husband was there, right?
She is her mom? A baby needs to be with his mom
When I first watched this film, the thing that stuck with me was that fact that resolution is elusive. It doesn't have a "clean" ending where everything is resolved. It's very non-traditional in that sense. Furthermore, it is more like our real lives where we might carry grief or pain with us for our entire lives, and never find comfort, but we keep on living.
I didn't understand the film when it came out. After going through some personal issues and life experiences, now I get it. It's so beautifully done.
I really love this movie, watched it multiple times when I first saw it, the music and the development of the characters and storyline plus even the sound of Affleck’s voice and his body language is just so perfect
Deservedly won best actor Oscar. Williams should have won as well
This was easily the most gut-wrenching, depressing film I've ever seen. Definitely would NOT recommend watching if you're experiencing depression.
That is your opinion, not mine.
as someone with depression i enjoyed this a lot and it actually made me laugh a lot of the time. the grief and depressing awkwardness was so funny to me
What I took away from the film the second time of watching it was that it was like a story of Casey navigating the stormy waters of God parenting dealing with his past grief until his nephew reaches manhood. He was always there and present mostly as a chauffeur but also giving his nephew tough love lessons along the way.
You sound like a Wes Anderson character
Love. This was my favorite movie from last year...add in C Affleck and William's performances, and this is just a perfect film in my opinion..
Keep these videos coming! Great content, man.
There is actually a full article that calls Manchester By The Sea a 'bad' movie because it doesn't showcase 'realistic male grief'.
The examples given with this article consist of:
- Running at the house after Lee's 'discovery'
- Screaming and raging at the scene
- Not crying
- Being able to move on...
According to this article that's what realistic male grief is about. Forget the fact that everybody deals with it their own way.
Can people just learn to accept good movies without badmouthing it because they personally didn't like it
It's the most voyeuristic movie. In a way.
Wow what a great commentary. I'm gonna go check out the movie now.
Very underrated film.
Excellent analysis. Thank you so much for your thoughtful work on the film. Just watching some of these clips again made me cry. An outstanding work of cinematic art.
Beautiful video. Reminded me of my own real life grief and how exquisitely personal it is, including when it surfaces. Thankyou Thomas.
The storyline with his wife is so heartbreaking
This movie has a special place in my heart
I really enjoyed this thank you, I have learned so much more from this film thanks to you.
Reminds me of when my grandmother passed away. During her funeral service we all heard a loud phone ringing for a solid 10-15 seconds, and it felt like an eternity. Then an older gentleman proceeded to answer the phone. "Hello?". I'll never forget that. It was comical, but infuriating.
Yeah. It's often just like that. I remember this guy saying that when he was walking around Manhattan during 9/11 and seeing tragedy all around him, the song "It's a Small World" kept ringing in his ears nonstop. The fact that he detests that song made it more unreal and funny. That why of all songs, that one would be mentally playing in his ear on that particular day no less.
This movie is underrated. I watched it yesterday and it is all too real. That’s good!
It is kind of funny too but dark funny. I liked it.
I’ll have to rewatch this masterpiece
I think what I appreciate about the style of this film, is that even though it is a film, it plays out exactly how real life would. The Stretcher in ambulance scene is definitely something that would happen in real life after a horrible tragedy. Films re-shoot scenes multiple times, to make sure it's perfect. The fact the Director left that scene in even as an awkward/goofy situation, reflects the imperfect goofy awkward situation that would happen when you would hope it wouldn't. As a viewer watching that, you kinda chuckle even after experiencing that horrific event that played out beforehand, and suddenly your emotions are thrown into disarray, because you're sad about what just happened, but this small silly scene was funny, but for lee and everyone else who knows what lee just experienced standing there watching it play out is heart wrenching. It seems like a way for the Director to make the viewer look at Lee and feel even more sorry than they previously had. Then you just spend the rest of the film hoping that Lee can finally experience something positive.
Great analyse ! Thanks, it made me remind how much I loved this movie, and why I loved it that much
I only watched this movie because im from manchester in england. When i found out it was actually in america i nearly turned off. So glad i ididnt it was a brilliamt movies
Well done, sir! Your analysis is (not only) spot on, but it made me feel as emotionally as this PERFECT film did.
DO NOT EVER STOP making these videos...............please...........................thank you.......................
I plan to keep making them! We'll see where I'm at in 20 years though haha.
My favorite movie of all time. Real. Brilliant. Heartbreaking.
Thanks for review,I see this movie again again and again. Every utterance is control to minute details. Greeting From Bangladesh,
Looks like quite a sad film
Well I think I found my new favorite video essay Channel.
These essays are awesome you deserve so much more subscribers oh man....
Just thought I'd add that I don't think you get one single facial close-up (let alone close-up of any kind) during MBTS. Lonergan refrains from getting any tighter than a medium close-up to highlight this idea of grief creeping up on you in everyday moments. Love the video btw
the police station scene my god...
I've watched it 20 times or so. Affleck's performance was brilliant. He's halting, backtracks a bit, just like real life.
You don't need $300 million to make a devastating film. Just great writing and acting.
The movie was brutal, the portrayal of grief unmatched. Sad movies always artificially invoke emotion from the audience w the appropriate music but they just let the scenes play out without music which resulting in the empathy towards his grief slam you like a ton of bricks as though the tragedy happened to someone you personally knew. I almost started praying for Casey, I was so moved before realizing it was just a film
While watching this movie it felt like i was always standing next to casey in every scene
Great Video! The aspects you explained may help me in my next discussion with friends ;-)
I really love the movie "Manchester by the Sea". Especially the performance of Casey Affleck is one of the best male performances I've ever seen in cinema (together with Leonardo DiCaprio's in "The Revenant").
I'm happy that RUclips suggested me this video and after watching your other videos, I subbed very fast :D Cool and inspiring content!
Keep it on! :)
Thoughtful and intelligent analysis.
I’ve never seen this film. I think I should.
Great video. I love this movie, and the way you analyze it is on point. Subscribed!
One of the greatest movies in the cinematic history in my opinion, I can’t describe how great it is.
Ever since seeing this movie, I’ve said I’ve never seen a movie get death so right
Manchester By the Sea is a happy song by Neal Morse.
It was too real
this movie changed my life. I was going through a pivotal moment in my life which still continues to this day. God bless if there is one
Please allow me to share my best friend's story with you, not to compare her experience with anyone else's, but to help you find true peace, comfort and hope. God bless you!
Family Story
Little did our family of six know that Friday evening, September 24th, 2021, would be the last night our family would be complete. We laughed together, played games, sang, and enjoyed listening as our 16-year-old son, Ethan, played the piano for us. I packed a lunch for Ethan for a church mountain hike he was going on the following day.
My mother (who was visiting from out of state) and I woke early with Ethan on Saturday morning. He hugged me and smiled, never pulling away or rushing me. He got in the car, waved, said he'd see me later and he loved me. It was hard to watch my "new driver" heading out on his own that morning. As Ethan pulled out of the gate, I turned to my mother and said, "It's just so hard letting go." Little did I know how much "letting go" I was really doing. That was the last time I saw Ethan. He did not make it home that evening.
That afternoon, a friend tried to contact my husband, leaving an urgent message to call him back. He tried several times to return the call to no avail. As we were preparing supper, an overwhelming feeling of deep concern for Ethan filled my heart. I quietly blinked back tears. I glanced out the window, half expecting to see a police officer pull up to the house, but no one arrived. However, within a few minutes, a patrol car DID pull into the driveway. In my heart, I feared the worst. My husband and I went out to meet the officer, who confirmed our fears. Hesitantly, he told us our son had fallen off of
a bluff and had succumbed to his injuries. Our hearts were crushed; they still are.
Yet, in all of our brokenness, deep, continual grief and loneliness, our family has such a blessed Hope and assurance that we will see our dear son and brother again. You see, when Ethan was a young boy, he was saved; he put his faith in Jesus alone to forgive his sins and to take him to Heaven when he died. He realized some very important truths from the Bible that he would want to share with you.
His Story
Everyone is a sinner. Sin is any violation of God’s Law. God is holy, just and righteous, and He cannot allow sin in His presence. Ethan realized that he - like all of us - had sinned; and his sin separated Him from God.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ” (Romans 3:23)
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12)
He understood that, because of his sin, he deserved to spend eternity in Hell.
“For the wages of sin is death;” (Romans 6:23a) [Wages: price]
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
Ethan believed that Jesus, God’s Son, paid the price for all sin when He died on the cross - because His sinless sacrifice was the only thing that could satisfy the just demands of a righteous, holy God. Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, but He arose the third day, triumphant over sin, death, and Hell. Jesus is alive today!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Ethan was sorry for his sin, repented (turned), and received by faith the free gift that God offered to him.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
“...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b)
Because of this great salvation, Ethan lived his life serving Jesus. He worked hard to spread this Good News to the world. He is alive in Heaven with Jesus today; and because of this great HOPE in Christ, we know we will see him again soon - not because he was a great kid, but because of his faith in the great Saviour!
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
Your Story
What about you? What if you had fallen to your death that day - What if you were to die today? Where will you spend eternity - Heaven or the Lake of Fire? There will not be any parties in the Lake of Fire. It is a place of eternal torment for those who reject God's Son.
The Word of God is very clear that there is only One Way to Heaven.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
We did not know that Ethan would step into eternity that day; however, because he put his faith in Jesus alone for his salvation, Ethan was ready to go. Some day - perhaps today - you will take your last breath here on earth, and you will step into eternity. Where you spend eternity is determined by what you do with Jesus Christ. Will you accept Him or reject Him? You are not promised another day or another breath. Eternity begins soon - Are you ready?
“...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31b)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
“(...behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2c)
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This testimony has been made into a tract form as well, so if you or your church are interested in having them to pass out, please go to libertyfaith.net and you will find our contact info there. God bless!
Tribute to Ethan Lakey
ruclips.net/video/EhobcQZ6Qb8/видео.html
"There's nothing there. There's nothing there. You don't understand". "I know you understand".
"The real troubles in your life
Are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind
The kind that blindsides you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday."
-Baz Luhrmann
It’s just agony