Need some timely entertainment? “As you wish”

Soft throw blankets, homemade macaroni and cheese, bowls of chocolate chip mint ice cream, the company of a loved one, a dog, and a great movie. These are all things that can bring comfort during hard times.

And let’s be honest, quarantined days are affording unprecedented opportunity for us to seek that which brings comfort. For me, this scene is set with “The Princess Bride” streaming on our flat screen. This movie has been a favorite since the first time I saw it in the late 1980s. Its entertainment value never diminishes, laughs abound, characters are beloved, and the quotable lines are countless. There is something for everyone as Grandpa explains to his grandson Billy, that the movie includes “fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, escapes, true love and miracles.” As I reflected, I realized that in addition to that dazzling list of descriptors, unexpected life lessons emerge throughout this classic tale in ways that are pertinent and relatable to the current state of our world.

Inconceivable. There may not be a better word to describe what has become our new daily reality. Though in the past, there have been predictions of a terrible future virus, and even movies depicting a pandemic eerily similar to COVID-19, the actuality of the entire world living in quarantine, restriction and fear is truly, inconceivable. Vincini, a foolhardy and simpleminded “villain” in “The Princess Bride” uses the word inconceivable liberally, as his efforts to kidnap Princess Buttercup are repeatedly thwarted. At one point, his comrade Inigo says to Vincini, “You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think”. Vincini may not have applied the word correctly, but inconceivable is right on target for Spring of 2020.

Perseverance. The Princess Bride is a story about perseverance. There are constant obstacles that must be overcome like scaling The Cliffs of Insanity, surviving the Fire Swamp, battling the ROUS’s (rodents of unusual size) and Inigo’s lifelong quest to avenge his fathers death by killing the six-fingered man. Westley, the hero, and Princess Buttercup manage to stay the course in pursuit of their future, fighting the forces that are trying to stop them. They use brains, brawn and ultimately faith to get there. We are facing enormous challenges in efforts to limit the spread of the virus, provide care for those ill or facing significant shelter in place challenges, and mitigate economic ramifications. Locally, we have more than shown our resilience in our community’s recovery from the Camp Fire. Ultimately, we will also have a story of perseverance as we navigate the obstacles of COVID-19.

Miracles. Never rule out the possibility of a miracle. Abundant toilet paper and hand sanitizer might feel like a small miracle. An effective therapeutic that eases symptoms or kills the virus, a miracle drug and a safe vaccine, are the things we are anxiously waiting for. With the alarming rise in numbers and the trajectory of the curve, it can feel like we are in “the pit of despair” which is where Westley, the hero of the movie is tortured to the brink of death. No spoilers but there may be some magic conjured by Miracle Max, “with a chocolate coating that makes it go down easier.” We could use some Miracle Max magic anytime and must hold tight to the hope that it’s soon.

Love. At the beginning of the movie, Westley is only known as Farm Boy, which is how Princess Buttercup addresses him. She commands him to do her bidding, “Farm Boy, stack the firewood, shine the platter, fetch the pitcher etc…” He speaks the same three words and nothing more in answer to every request. She eventually comes to realize that what he is really saying, but with different words is “I love you.” Sometimes, it’s not what you say but how you say it, that matters. The other thing to remember is that there are many ways to say I love you in both words and actions. In our homes, neighborhoods and communities, now more than ever, we should glean this lesson and use this phrase. Reply with agreement, encouragement, ease, positivity and especially, love.  Respond as often as possible with “As you wish.” It will mean everything.