FORREST GUMP SR. Pt. 1

I’ve watched the movie, “Forrest Gump” so many times I can almost quote the main character before he speaks the words, as well as ‘Jenny’ and ‘Lt. Dan’ and the rest of the assorted cast.

And though I enjoyed watching the entire movie the first twenty eight or thirty times, at this point I have committed the video and audio to memory, so there is little point in wading through it. But to be fair I can still handle ten or twelve minutes of Forrest when he happens to ‘knock on my door’ (or vice versa).

However, in spite of my profound acquaintance with the movie I noticed something tonight which had largely escaped me in the past; at least in terms of the depth and scope thereof.

For you see, Forrest was a father.

(Yes, he was).

There is that memorable scene in which he realizes how close Jenny’s residence is to the bench upon which he sits waiting for a bus. And bidding a hasty ‘goodbye’ to another prospective passenger, he jogs the five blocks which separates him from the love of his life.

Forrest knocks on the apartment door and his sweet Jenny greets him with a surprised smile. And as they ‘make up for lost time’ a neighbor lady drops off Jenny’s son, and departs the premises. 

Forrest speaks.

“Jenny, you’re a mama!”

And she proceeds to introduce the pair.

“Forrest, this is Mr. Gump.”

The eight year old has been taught well.

“Hello, Mr. Gump.”

As the lad makes his way over to the t.v. set Jenny notices the question forming in Forrest’ eyes.

“His daddy is named Forrest.”

The young man responds.

“Just like me.”

And Jenny flashes a smile that would light up Savannah and exclaims,

“You’re his daddy, Forrest!”

A look of amazement turns into unspoken dread, as Forrest Sr. thinks out loud.

“But is he like …me or is he…?”

Jenny immediately reassures him.

“He’s one of the smartest children in his class.”

With this, a sense of calm seems to envelope Forrest Sr. and his eyes and body language indicate a desire to spend a bit of quality time with little Forrest. Of course, Jenny acquiesces and Sr. walks the ten paces which separates him from his newly discovered son, takes a seat on the floor next to Jr., and they strike up a conversation about the ‘Sesame Street’ television show he’s watching.

(to be continued)


 By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 46. Copyright pending
 
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