The Secret Life of Bees

I try not to cry in the same way I try not to get angry because once the flood gates are opened, it takes more than a little bit to stop the flow. So, I am proud to say that I made it through the entire movie, "The Secret Life of Bees" and did not drop a tear. Plenty gathered but none dropped. However, once the credits rolled, I began to feel like I should have cried. Sounds strange, I know, but it wasn't until this moment that I realized I could actually use a good cry. I really related to "May" (Sophie Okonedo's character). She is very empathic and although I don't burst into tears and song at the drop of a hat the way she does, I often find myself taking on the emotional baggage of others. I'm sure it sounds strange but there are times I enter a room and my heart just becomes heavy. It can be very overwhelming and I often blame myself for being too sensitive.

Because I can feel everything (or so it seems), I want to get involved in everything but the reality is, I am human and I cannot do it all. I'm never satisfied. It's an insatiable hunger and it leaves me undone. I know May's anguish and distress too well. I often disguise my affliction behind humor and sarcasm but those that truly know can see. When it gets to be too much, I retreat...

...and cry.