Life Changers Number 1

In an effort to live up to one of my New Year's resolutions I am going to try something new.  I am going to write, each Friday for the entire year, about someone who changed my life in some way.  I haven't decided if I am going to make a rule that it's someone I have never met or not, because obviously my family and friends all deserve praise.

With my first pick I am going with (wow I feel really nervous), Imogene Louise Threadgood.

I first watched Fried Green Tomatoes when it came out on video.  I can remember where I was sitting on the couch when little Idgie first appeared on the screen.  I can remember my parents laughing about how much she looked and acted like I did as that age.  I can remember the nervous, icy feeling in my gut during the movie as I realized how much Idgie and I were the same.  Sarcastic, ill-tempered, quick with a joke (especially to cover a pained heart), and completely in love with another woman.

I later wore out my copy of the book.  The paperback cover held on with a binder clip turned sideways so the pages could not fall out.  Here was someone, who looked a lot like me and acted a lot like me, finding a way to love another woman in a time and place that was even more difficult, unyielding, and dangerous than the one we live in now.

I love Idgie Threadgood.  I love the scary feeling of realization she brought up from the recesses of my mind and the pit of my stomach.  She helped me recognize something in myself.  Thinking of her, thinking of her with Ruth makes my hands tingle and my heart ache for them.  So Imogene Louise Threadgood, thank you for changing my life.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.