[BIRDS CHIRPING]
JOAN:I am an ordinary woman
to whom extraordinary things have happened.
We can't see the future.
We don't know the cards we'll be dealt.
The only power we have
is to choose how we live our lives.
[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Do you hear anything?
Nope.
-Do you see anything? -Bite me, man.
[LAUGHS]
Maybe she got lost.
[GIGGLING]
Five bucks say she don't make it.
Right, Jamal, like you got five bucks.
Quarter then. I don't know why she's doin' this.
It ain't gonna prove nothin'.
ZACK: Yeah? I thought you liked Mrs. B.
Mrs. B is cool.
I just think you got eyes, use the suckers.
ROBBIE: She just wants to know how we feel.
Second floor coming up.
JAMAL: Aw man, hide.
That's either mice or I'm getting close.
[BOYS CHUCKLE]
[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]
Why Tiger Woods, is that you?
-JAMAL: We're busted. -ROBBIE: Way to go Mrs. B.
ZACK: I told you.
Take your quarter. I don't wanna hear anymore talking about it.
ZACK: Right in my pocket.
WOMAN: You did great. There you go.
JOE: Batter up. Good work Jimmy.
Okay, Connie.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
JOE: Okay, Connie, when you're ready,
you hit that ball.
Nice and strong, okay?
-I can't do it, Mr. B. -JOE: Sure you can.
Just listen carefully. Try it again.
Listen to the sound.
[GRUNTS] I told you so.
Oh, really focus where that sound is coming from, okay?
Smooth and straight across.
You can do this. Try it again.
Nice and strong.
Yeah!
Go! Go! Run, run, run!
-WOMAN : Connie, run. -WOMAN : Run, Connie. Go.
JOE: Oh, yeah.
Yeah!
Woo.
MAN: Attagirl.
Yes.
Yeah! Home run!
Yeah. Good job.
[HORN HONKING]
-RICK: Yeah. Way to go. -JOE: Rick! Take over.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
RICK: Okay. Let's go. Take out the bat. Come on.
-Hey, gorgeous. -Hey honey. Listen,
I got to pick up Joy and run some errands.
Could you start dinner?
Aw, Joanie, you know I hate cooking.
Just put in a chicken and some potatoes.
How about we order pizza instead?
-How about we don't? -What about Chinese?
A little moo shu? A little sweet and sour?
Mm? Okay, okay, but you pick it up.
I've got a staff meeting after the game.
-Joe! -Honey,
you're gonna be out anyway. What's the big deal?
[SCOFFS] You are such a baby.
I love you too.
See you at home.
[BELL RINGING]
WOMAN: All right, sweetie.
-TEACHER: Bye Joy. -JOY: Bye.
-JOAN: Okay. Hi lovey. -Hi Mom.
JOAN: How was your geography test?
-Good. Look what I made. -[GASPS] Look at that!
I love this.
Happy faces and a rainbow.
We're definitely gonna frame this one.
It's really pretty.
Feel the curb with your cane there.
-WOMAN: Over here. -JOAN: There you go.
Good job. Now there steps coming up right ahead there.
Three steps up.
All right Nick, don't push.
Lili, Natasha, take your time.
There you go.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
JOAN: Now kids, we're coming up on a skeleton
-of a large ground sloth. -MAN: Oh, cool.
JOAN: About the size of an elephant,
standing on its hind legs.
If you reach out, there's a fossil here.
You can feel how smooth they are.
Isn't that amazing?
Hey, there's an expert on butterflies
giving a talk in minutes.
You think the kids would be interested?
I don't know. Let me check it out.
Kids, Mrs. Reinking is gonna be staying
with you for a few minutes. I'll be right back.
Okay.
It's cool, huh Robbie? Feel the size of this thing.
Excuse me. I was wondering if you could tell me
a little bit about this lecture you're giving.
Oh, my god. Jim?
Joanie?
Yeah. I don'’t believe it! What are you doing here?
High school science geek makes good.
I'm a lepidopterist. I tromp around the world
teaching groups about butterflies.
-Wow. -JIM: What are you doing here?
I teach blind students.
We're here with a bunch of the kids.
[EXHALES] Wow.
How long has this been? years?
At least.
-You look great. -Thank you.
I don't remember your hair being so short in high school.
Oh, yeah, well, it's a woman's prerogative
to change her mind and her hair.
I'll remember that.
Are you married?
Yeah, for years. To a great guy.
We have a beautiful, brilliant daughter.
Not that I'm prejudiced or anything.
Hmmm, guess I missed my chance?
Guess you did.
You should look him up Marsha.
He's really cute and he's available.
He is not boring, he's just studious.
Who's studious, Mom?
Oh, this guy we went to high school with.
So he lives in Missouri.
You remember that time you went to New York to meet that guy?
Joan, I looked all over that garage.
Where the heck are the Christmas lights?
Oh, by the way, can you come up for Christmas
because we'd love to see you!
Christmas lights.
Let me call you back, honey.
They're probably just under a pile of clothes or something.
JOE: A pile of clothes?
That whole garage is such a mess.
Can't you clean it up?
I was just gonna ask you the same question.
Come on, Joy. Let's go help find the Christmas lights.
JOY: Coming, Mom.
-Hey. -JOY: Hey.
KID: Okay. Bye dad.
MAN: Yeah.
CORY: I'm not going.
For God's sake, Cory, just give it a chance.
You can't make me live here! I wanna go home!
Please. Please.
MR. MASON: Watch your step.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
JOAN: Smooth out all the wrinkles.
-ROBBIE: Okay. -JOAN: Go.
Rub your hands all over the bed to make sure.
There it is.
Hey Zack, here.
Feel the edge of the sheet
and tuck it under the mattress, okay?
Mrs. Beringer.
-Ms. Reinking. -Hi.
This is Cory Mason, a new student
who'll be moving into this room.
Hey, Cory.
Cory, Mrs. B is gonna be your daytime house mother.
She's gonna be teaching you domestic skills
like making your bed and brushing your teeth.
I don't want a mother.
[DOGS BARKING]
JOE: Heavenly Father, we thank thee
for thy many blessings.
Thanks for the happiness and laughter our friends
Karen and Mike bring to our lives.
Thank you for the gift of my son Jay,
with us once again for an Iowa Christmas.
Joan and I welcome them all with open arms.
And me, too.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
JOE: Absolutely. Joy too.
And by the way,
thank you Lord
for not letting Marsha get lost on Interstate ,
like last year.
[LAUGHTER]
Oh, that's because I learned to stop
and ask for directions.
Unlike some people I won't mention.
Joe Beringer.
-Hey. -Yes.
I drove a long way and I deserve extra desert for that!
Well, we got extra sugar plums, just for you sweetie!
-Sugar plums? -[LAUGHTER]
Amen.
-Thank you. -Yeah.
Oh, honey, coffee, please.
MARSHA: What's wrong with his legs?
Paralyzed apparently.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
So did you call Mr. Butterfly?
As a matter of fact, I did.
Really? And?
And his answering machine says he's out of town for a month.
[SIGHS] Did you leave a message?
Nah.
I already met somebody else.
I swear, you've got the libido of a -year-old.
Well, was only what?
Three or four years ago?
I went to high school with you kiddo.
You can sell it to somebody else.
Well, I will. I've got a date with a guy on Thursday night.
-[DOOR BELL RINGS] -Unbelievable.
-Mommy, the carolers are here! -Carolers?
Oh, it's the kids from the school.
It's their Christmas day singing tour.
Oh, groovy.
JOE: h*! h*! h*!
Merry Christmas, kids!
Merry Christmas, Mr. B!
-So you gonna sing for us? -Yeah!
You got the candy canes, Mr. B?
Oh, I got the candy canes but you guys have to sing first.
And it better be loud!
Yes, sir, Mr. B sir!
[CHILDREN LAUGHING]
Okay, ready, homes?
♪ It was the night Before Christmas ♪
♪ And all through the house
♪ Not a creature was stirring Not even a mouse ♪
♪ The stockings were hung By the chimney with care ♪
♪ In hopes that Saint Nicholas Soon would be there ♪
MAN: It's great.
♪ When out on the lawn there Arose such a clatter ♪
♪ I sprang from my bed To see what's the matter ♪
♪ I went to the window I flew like a flash ♪
♪ Threw open the shutters
♪ Threw out the stash ♪
♪ h*, h*, here we go Here we go! ♪
♪ h*, h*, h*, h*! ♪
WOMAN: Yes!
ALL: Yeah.
That was beautiful.
JOAN: Again! Again!
[CROWD APPLAUDING]
Whoo-hoo!
JOE: That's worth a lot of candy.
That was great!
Zip up your jeans, lovey. Where's your shoes?
I need my socks first.
-What color? -JOY: Um, pink.
Um, no pink. How about white?
They were there yesterday.
JOAN: I don't see them. You must have worn them.
[CHUCKLES] Those are white.
They're pink, Mommy.
Okay, well, whatever you say. Just put them on, all right?
Because we're late, we got to go.
Remember. Our plates are like a clock.
Top of the plate is :.
So burgers are at :, fries are at :.
I'm gonna hand the ketchup to Robbie
and he's gonna pass it along.
-[SQUIRTS LOUDLY] -[BOYS GIGGLE]
Jeez, Robbie! Keep it to yourself!
Shut up, Jamal. It was the ketchup bottle.
Never heard any ketchup sound like that.
Maybe it's not ketchup in there.
Then I guess you don't want any.
Hand it over, dawg.
[GIGGLING]
Come on you guys, eat your lunch okay?
Come on, Cory. The hamburgers are really good around here.
How about some French fries?
Don't tell me you don'’t like French fries.
That's it. :. There you go.
GIRL: Oh, my gosh! What happened?
It's all right!
It was an accident.
I'll take care of it.
That is not acceptable, Cory.
We're gonna do it again.
Go to hell.
As many times as it takes.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[TYPEWRITER CLICKS]
-KAREN: Hey Joan. -Hey there.
Whatcha' doing?
I'm just brailling the kids' homework assignment.
Why is it so dark in here?
I think I'm coming down with a cold.
My eyes are bothering me.
Well, can I get some light
because I need to find those grade reports.
JOAN: Sure!
What happened to your make-up?
Nothing, why?
You look like a clown.
Really? I just put some blush on.
Honey, look.
I don't see anything.
You don't see that this is bright pink?
That looks white to me.
Really?
Maybe you should see a doctor.
I think I'm just coming down with a cold, you know?
Okay, well, when is the last time
you had your eyes checked?
Really, you're making too much of this.
Uh, eyes are our day job.
Okay.
JOAN:It was cold that spring.
The next day I saw an ophthalmologist
who did a series of tests.
Nothing showed up,
but the doctor didn't wanna let go of it.
I was referred to a specialist,
who couldn't see me for two weeks.
During that time, my eyesight got worse.
[TIRES SQUEAL]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[CAR HORN HONKS]
-Mommy! -JOAN: Oh, no.
I'm sorry, honey.
It's just this window's all fogged up.
[SCHOOL BELL RINGS]
[TIRES SCREECH]
[INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
Oh, God!
[INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[GASPING]
JOE: All right.
Joe! Joe!
Keep going, guys!
Joan, what is it?
Sweetheart, what's the matter?
I can't see.
[SOBBING]
-What do you mean you can't see? -I can't see anything.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
DR. CORBETT: The sign on my desk
says Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology,
but rest easy, my wife still makes me take out the garbage.
So I understand you're having a little vision problem.
Minor distraction. I can't see.
It's probably just a virus or something, right?
Well, that's what we're going to find out.
Let's start with a look at the eye chart over here.
Can you read the third line?
No.
How about the second one?
Dr. Corbett, I can't see the chart at all.
I was admitted to the hospital that same day.
[MACHINE WHIRRING]
[MACHINE BEEPS]
[MACHINE WHIRRING]
[WINCES, GROANS]
-WOMAN: Goodbye. -JOAN: Bye. See you next week.
Well, she can't be too sick if she'’s laughing.
JOAN: Mom? What are you doing here?
Joe had the good sense to call me, unlike you.
-JOAN: Aww. -VIVIAN: What'’s so funny?
Oh, they just changed the pictures in my room.
They don't like the patients to get bored with the artwork.
Lady never even noticed I was blind.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
Did Dad come, too?
He's home with Joy.
How are you feeling?
Aside from going blind, I'm just fine.
You're not going blind!
Stop scaring everyone.
People don't go blind just like that.
You're right, coach. I can play.
Put me in.
You joke about everything?
A teacher of the blind losing her sight?
It's worth at least a chuckle, don't you think?
Oh, we have visitors.
I'll stop back later.
-Dr. Corbett? -Yes, Joan.
Do you have any news?
Well, some, but it can wait.
No. Please.
Joan, you have what's called macular degeneration.
It's a condition which usually effects
people much older than you.
It's a slow deterioration of the retina
which can sometimes take years to progress.
But in your case, something has caused
that degeneration to accelerate faster
than we've ever seen before.
In other words,
something has attacked your eyes.
Uh, it might be lupus, it might be a virus,
there's a number of possibilities.
She works at a blind school.
Could she have caught something from one of the children?
No, no. It's not that.
JOE: Then what is it?
[SIGHS] For now, it's a mystery.
So how do you treat it? Drugs? Surgery?
Well, no.
The damage is irreversible.
You mean, it's permanent?
DR. CORBETT: I'm afraid so.
Are you sure?
DR. CORBETT: Yes.
VIVIAN: Dear God.
JOE: You're saying, that's it? There's nothing you can do?
DR. CORBETT: We've never seen anything like this before.
In fact, we'd like Joan to stay for a few days
so we can study her condition.
My wife's not a guinea pig, Doctor.
Well, of course not.
But there's an awful lot we can learn--
No, you're supposed to help her, not the other way around.
Now if you're not up to the job, we'll find someone who is.
Joe, stop.
Sweetie, there must be another test.
[PANTS] I've had every test there is.
I'm blind.
Blind.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
-JOY: Does it hurt? -JOAN: No.
Nothing hurts. I just can't see.
JOY: Will you have to use a white cane?
JOAN: Sometimes.
JOY: Will you still go to work?
I won't have the same job, but I plan to work there, yes.
After all, it's a school for the blind, right?
Yeah.
Will you still cook dinner?
I intend to, but I might need your help.
So I don't put sugar on the chicken instead of salt.
Or pepper in the oatmeal instead of cinnamon.
Or ketchup on your pancakes instead of syrup.
-Ew. -[LAUGHTER]
Aw, honey.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
Here's a couple of twenties.
-Fold these length-wise, right? -Yeah.
[TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES]
JOE: That's the end of your blues.
That's your orange outfit.
[TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES]
Joan, let me show you something over here.
This marker, that's the oven dial.
That's off.
And that bump is .
Okay, line it up with the dot right above.
You got it?
Yeah. I understand.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
[SIGHS]
[GRUNTING]
Oh, God.
You have to memorize where everything is.
I know.
We'll have to organize the fridge too.
I know. It's not a problem.
JOY: Ready, Daddy.
Okay sweetie.
We're going to head out to her game.
You sure you'll be all right?
I'm gonna take a shower and work here in the kitchen.
Just go.
Okay. Come on.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
Where's that purse?
Where's my purse?
Oh. Ow.
Ow. Oh.
Oh.
[PANTS]
Hey kiddo.
Hi.
Welcome home.
Thanks.
KAREN: I baked you some cookies.
Thanks, put them on the table.
-Where is everyone? -Volleyball.
[SIGHS]
How's it going?
It's-- I'm barely home and it feels like a year.
What happened to your knee?
What didn't happen?
I'm so stupid. I'm such a clod.
Hey, come on, Joanie.
Don't be so hard on yourself.
I don't know how they do it.
How do they live without seeing?
They have no choice.
I mean I'm never going to see Joy's face again.
I'm never going to see her grow up.
I'm not going to see her wedding.
I'm not going to see my grandchildren.
I'm blind. Karen, I'm blind.
I know.
Joe thinks I can handle this. I don't think I can do it.
KAREN: Hey, Of course you can.
It's so hard.
Hey, remember what you tell the kids?
You can do anything you set your mind to.
It just might take a little longer.
Yeah, that's just ignorance talking.
There's a lot of things that you can't do.
It's okay.
I'm sorry.
Hey, it's all right.
It's okay. You're allowed to grieve.
I just-- I feel so helpless and I hate it.
I hate it.
Okay. [SHUSHING]
[WHIMPERS]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
And three.
Three. Three.
-That's a four. That's a four. -Thank you very much
Hey kids. How's it going?
Mrs. B?
Oh, my gosh. Mrs. B., you're back.
What's up? How're you doing?
-Hi, Jamal. -BOY: So cool.
-Hey, Mrs. B. -Hi, Zach.
Can you see anything at all?
Oh, not much. Just a little shadow and light.
Sometimes a shape out of the corner of my eye.
What do ya know, Mrs. B. You're in the club.
[LAUGHTER]
Yeah, Zack, I guess I am.
-Are you going to work here? -JOAN: Yes, I am.
I'm going to go do the office work,
-and then I'll be back. -ZACK: Oh, great.
-JAMAL: Cool. -JOAN: Do you guys want to play
-baseball with me later? -ZACK: Sure. Yeah.
JOE: That one's right. Now into .
Okay, into is , which is ,
and then carry the and...
-[GASPS] -Mommy, are you okay?
That was my grandmother's bowl.
JOE: Joanie, come on.
You got to be a little more careful.
-It slipped. -I know it slipped.
That's why you have to pay attention
to what you're doing.
Joy, get me the dustpan, please.
Let me help.
Absolutely not. All I need is for you to cut yourself
on top of everything else.
I'm sorry.
Maybe I should do the dishes from now on.
No. You do too much already.
Well, maybe that's just the way it has to be.
Joy. Bring me some aspirin, too.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
JOAN:Time heals, they say.
But time erodes, as well.
I think I changed in those long dark weeks
leading to winter.
I know I did.
[CHILDREN LAUGHING]
BOY: I know it's you.
GIRL: It is not. [LAUGHS]
BOY: Stop it.
Hey kids, this is study hall.
Settle down and do your homework.
BOY: Stop it.
Uh, can I ask you something?
Cory? Of course.
I gotta do this stupid report and, uh, how tall is a giraffe?
A giraffe?
I mean, you've seen one, right?
-Before your eyes crapped out? -Yes.
Yeah, well, I was born blind, so how tall?
I got to get up to words on a giraffe.
[QUICK TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING]
Come here. I'll show you.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
It's about five times taller than that.
-That's bull. No way. -Yes way.
And most of it is its neck.
What about a flamingo?
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
A flamingo? There.
How can that be? A flamingo's a bird.
Nature's full of miracles.
A flamingo's got legs that are feet long,
and they're skinny as a pencil.
You sure?
Yep.
It's a b*tch, huh?
Not being able to see?
Yeah. It stinks.
I'm luckier than you in one way, I guess.
I got all these pictures in my mind
I can recall any time I want.
You wanna borrow any, just let me know.
Free of charge.
Yeah. All right.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
Here's Joe.
-JOE: Thanks Karen. -Oh, you're welcome.
Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay. Staff meeting's at :, right?
Yep. I'll be there.
Can we go to the drug store on our way home?
We have to pick up Joy.
Well, maybe afterwards then?
Not today. I don't feel so good.
Well, it'll only take five minutes.
Joy needs shampoo and we're almost out of toothpaste.
Joanie, I said I don't feel so good.
My head is really bothering me.
You've been having a lot of headaches lately.
Yeah, my sinuses are k*lling me.
Here's your snack, honey. I'm going out.
-Where? -To the drugstore.
-Alone? -You're darn right alone.
-Bye, Mom. -Bye, sweetie.
JOAN:I had never walked anywhere alone before,
but I was determined to try.
I had become dependent on Joe and Joy for almost everything.
And I didn't like the feeling.
[QUICK TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING]
Ah!
[GROANING]
Are you all right?
I think so. What was that thing?
A tricycle. Here, let me help you up.
Oh, my God, you're bleeding.
It doesn't hurt. Really, I'm fine.
I dropped my purse though.
Uh, I'll get it.
Maybe I should call an ambulance.
No. I'm fine. Really, I'm fine.
I think I should call somebody.
What's going on?
This blind lady tripped over
one of the Morris kids' tricycles.
-Is she okay? -She's cut.
-Bleeding like a stuck pig. -JOAN: I'm fine.
-Do you live around here, lady? -Yeah, on Virginia.
Come. We'll drive you home.
Oh, honey hold your skirt together.
You're showing the South .
JOAN: What?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
CORY: I'm into this band called Slumgullion, big time.
They play a club in Los Angeles.
I'm gonna go down there someday.
Hear 'em live. That'd be awesome.
I think I'm a Dixie Chicks kind of girl.
-Are they hot? -Yes, very.
Slumgullion, they dress in blue a lot.
I keep trying to figure out what "blue" is.
What do you think it is?
CORY: Beats me.
I know black. Period.
Color's hard to understand,
but try to use your other senses.
What do you think blue feels like to the touch?
[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]
[WIND HOWLING]
Cool, probably. Slumgullion's cool.
I like that. That's right, blue is cool.
Maybe minty smelling?
JOAN: That's right again.
And red is hot. Burning.
But I can't figure out green.
Green? Hmmm.
Smell this.
[SNIFFS]
Grass?
JOAN: Grass is green.
Leaves are green.
Fruit before it's ripe is green.
Nature. Nature's green?
-That what you're saying? -Yes.
High five.
[CHUCKLES] Just kidding.
[LAUGHS]
Mrs. B., uh, I want to get out of here.
Don't take that wrong,
maybe not tomorrow, but...
I want to go to school in the real world.
Learn music.
Move to L.A. someday.
What do you think about that?
I think, why not?
Before we close, I just want to mention
what a great job Joan is doing as our student-teacher liaison.
She has worked wonders with Cory Mason,
and the other kids see her as a true role model.
Even our fund raising has picked up.
So Joan, what can I tell you.
Thanks for going blind.
No problem, Artie.
Just let me know if you need me to go deaf.
[LAUGHTER]
Just don't ask for mute.
-Is everything okay with Joe? -Joe?
Well, he missed the meeting today,
and he's been out a lot the last couple months.
It's these sinus headaches.
He's on all these painkillers but nothing's working.
What does the doctor say?
Nothing. He won't go.
Dad, dinner's ready.
Dad. It's time to eat.
In a few minutes.
-Mom. -What's the matter, honey?
Daddy won't get up.
Joe. Dinner's ready.
Joe?
Eat without me.
I'm not hungry.
We don't want to eat without you.
Sunday dinner is our family meal, now come on.
Mom. He's leaving.
Honey, can you pour the iced tea for us please?
Joe?
Joe?
[SIGHS]
-Are you on drugs Joe? -Oh, leave me alone.
-Are you seeing another woman? -No. Stop it.
Then maybe you just want out.
Do you want to end this marriage, Joe?
Joan, I am not in the mood for this.
Do you have any idea how badly you treat me?
The way you constantly snap at me?
Your tone of voice? Am I too much of a burden,
because excuse me,
I didn't mean to lose my eyesight.
Joan, it's not you.
Okay, it's these damn headaches.
I'm in constant pain,
they just never go away anymore.
I don't have patience for anything.
Just headaches? Nothing else is going on?
For God's sake honey.
I can't even think straight.
Call the doctor.
-It's a Sunday. -Leave a message.
Doctors don't know anything honey.
Look what happened to you.
I don't want to hear it, Joe. You call them right now.
Right now.
-Joe? -JOE: Yeah.
Where've you been honey? You've been gone for hours.
Joe?
There's a tumor growing in my sinus cavity.
A big one.
I need surgery right away.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
JOAN: Joe's surgery lasted hours.
The cancer had spread into his right eye,
which had to be removed.
When Joe came home two weeks later,
he was amazingly brave.
He joked that one good eye
was more than enough for the two of us.
JOE: Yeah.
JOAN:There was talk of chemotherapy and radiation,
but there were no guarantees.
We both tried not to think of tomorrow
and simply appreciate today.
I'm fine. Come, come and lie next to me.
I just-- I just want to hold you, that's all.
-It's nice to be held. -Yeah.
Listen.
I think I'd like to buy Joy that new bike
she's been talking about.
She'd like that.
And maybe we could take her out of school one day
and all go to the lake.
You think you're up for that?
We'll see.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Joanie, there's something I need to say to you.
I may not have been the greatest husband in the world.
-Not by a long shot. But-- -Oh, honey.
But you?
You've always been the greatest wife.
You've always been there for me.
I'm really, really grateful for the all the years
we've had together.
I love you, Joanie. I love you so very much.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
JOAN: By the following Christmas,
Joe almost never got out of bed.
He never complained,
but all of my senses told me what I couldn't see.
Joe, honey.
That was Karen.
The carolers want to come over and sing for you.
I told her you were too sick to go outside,
but that you'd listen from in here.
[GROANS]
CHILDREN: ♪Silent night♪
♪ Holy night
♪All is calm ♪
♪All is bright ♪
♪Round yon' virgin♪
♪Mother and child♪
♪Holy infant ♪
-♪So tender and mild♪ -Daddy's here.
♪Sleep in heavenly peace♪
♪Sleep in heavenly peace ♪
[CHILDREN HUMMING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
I'm going to make some coffee.
Does anyone need a drink?
VIVIAN: Why don't you sit down or a while, Joanie?
There you go.
Joy, come and have something to eat.
BOB: Here, honey.
You want grandpa to take your coat for you?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SOBS]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
BOB: Hmm. It must be later than I thought.
The first star's out.
JOAN: I miss the stars, Daddy.
BOB: I know.
Sometimes I think we're all like stars, to God.
He sees what shines in each of us.
What makes each person unique.
How we share our light with one another.
I think that's what love is to God,
sharing light.
Joanie, your mother and I
we want you and Joy to come home.
Back to Sioux Falls.
You could get a place near us.
That would mean selling our house.
Joy would have to change schools.
You can't live on your own.
Joe did everything for you.
JOAN: Not everything.
Look, who's going to shop for you?
Drive Joy to school?
I mean, how would you get around,
do anything?
You need help,
and we want to give it to you.
I don't know what I need.
Honey, please.
Come home.
CORY: What about us?
What about the school?
JOAN: I don't think I'd make a very good teacher right now.
Give me a break, that's so bogus.
I'm really tired and sad, Cory.
What about my application to middle school?
You know, maybe you should rethink
going to a regular school.
It's a huge adjustment, much harder than you think.
You said I was ready.
Well, if you wait 'til you're a little older, maybe--
I don't wanna wait. I wanna get out of this place.
Cory, there's times in our life
when we have to do the smart thing.
Everything here is geared to being blind.
You think I'm too stupid.
Not at all. That's not what I'm saying.
-Forget it. -Cory, please.
Have a great time in South Dakota.
Cory, please, I just want what's best for you.
No, you don't. You want what's best for you.
Just like my parents.
You and the prairie deserve each other.
Cory.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Goodbye.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
MARSHA: There you are.
Hi.
BOB: There you go, Joanie.
JOY: Hi Marsha.
Hi.
Look what I got on the plane, Marsha. Pilot's wings.
That's great, hon.
Did you get Mr. Pilot's phone number for Aunt Marsha?
-No. -MARSHA: Oh, boy.
Down girl. Get your mind on real estate.
Hi.
Hi.
Okay, here we are.
So this is the living room.
It's x, and, Joanie, through here is the kitchen.
It's nice. It's got a window above the sink,
all new appliances.
And over here, it's got extra counter space.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
JOAN: Joy?
-In here, Mom. -MARSHA: Step.
And this would be Joy's room.
Wall to wall carpet.
Does it have a backyard?
Well, there's a patio. With a fence around it.
You know, honey, if you don't like this one,
there's another one across town.
It's bigger. Maybe more kids around.
We can drive over, if you want.
Joy.
We'd be close to Grandma and Grandpa here,
if one of us got sick.
And Daddy's insurance money will just pay for this.
You be my eyes. What do you think?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
I like it, Mom. It's great.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Here's the bell.
One second.
I'm not good with screwdrivers that don't involve vodka.
[BELL DINGS]
I guess I could hear that upstairs.
It'll do until I get an alarm system put in.
Well, if this doesn't work,
we'll find a caveman to protect you.
There's not going to be a man.
This is my life now.
I'm lucky to have it.
Mom?
[BELL DINGS]
Here we are.
Honey, have you got your umbrella?
Right here.
It sounds like a nice school. What does it look like?
It's red brick, with glass doors.
The teachers remind me of Iowa.
Well, that's a good sign, honey.
KID: Bye, Mom.
I think you're really, really gonna like it here.
You're such a good student. And you make friends so easily.
Uh, Mom, I can go in by myself.
It's fine.
-Really? -Yeah.
-Um, oh, look, here's Grandma. -I'll see you at :, okay?
-Honey, I love you. -Okay.
And don't forget to collect the mail on your way home.
Okay.
Did you get your English paper back?
Not yet.
Here, honey. Be careful on the ladder.
Okay.
Grandma washed your blue tights. Were you cold outside today?
JOY: Kind of. But I had my coat, so it was okay.
Hello?
KAREN:Hey, Joanie, it's Karen.
Karen, hi. How are you?
I'm sorry I haven't called you, I know I promised.
How are the kids doing?
KAREN:Good. They all ask about you.
How's Cory doing?
KAREN: Well, he's hanging in there.
You know Joanie, the day-to-day thing.
Karen, I have to call you back.
-KAREN:Okay. -Okay.
Who's there.
MARSHA: The Green Goddess.
Oh, Ficus was on sale at the market
and I couldn't resist.
That's great, Marsha, but you know,
you've really should call me before you come over
because I really almost had a heart attack.
-JOY: Ow. -Joy?
What happened?
I hit my finger with the hammer.
Oh, it's okay. Watch the glass. It's okay, Joan.
Just a little blood, she can still move it.
We'll just run some cold water on it.
Stay out of this, Marsha. I can handle it.
But you can't see, Mom.
I'm your mother, Joy.
Thanks anyway, Marsha.
Fine.
The next bell you hear will be the sound of me leaving.
Can I get you a Band-Aid?
It's fine.
Do you need any help?
No.
No.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[WATER RUSHING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[CHILD CHUCKLING]
There you go. There you go.
There's my two girls!
My two babies, just as God made 'em.
-Hi. -JOE: Smile, Joy!
JOAN: Smile for daddy.
-Mommy's turn. -JOAN: No!
Cut it out!
Oh, honey.
One day you'll look back at this
and say insanity ran in the family.
No! It's not fair!
JOE: Mommy's right, Joy.
No fair. Daddy needs a bath too.
Oh, my gosh. Daddy's crazy.
JOE: Oh!
Daddy's gonna get water all over.
Where'd that turtle go?
Ah! Daddy's crazy.
Daddy. Look at Daddy.
This time. There you go.
Look at Mom. There you go.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Joy!
JOY: I'm here, Mom.
JOAN: You weren't in your bed. I was worried.
Honey, are you all right?
Does your finger hurt?
No.
What is it then?
Just kids at school.
You don't like them?
No, they feel sorry for me.
Because my dad died and my mother's blind.
I hate that.
They're just trying to be sympathetic.
I don't want them to say that!
I just wanna go to school.
Be a normal kid.
Like in Iowa.
You miss Iowa?
Yeah.
Me too.
I miss our front porch.
I miss the blue walls Daddy painted me.
I miss Daddy.
Are the stars out?
Yeah.
Can you see them?
Yeah.
You know those same stars hang over Iowa.
We're not so far away.
Is Daddy watching us, from those stars?
I'm sure he is.
And what he wants more than anything, Joy,
is for you to bloom where you're planted.
In this new place. To grow up strong.
Hmm?
You know what I think, Mom?
What honey?
I think he wants both of us to grow.
Not just me.
I'm trying, Joy.
I don't know what else I can do.
You can get the mail, Mom.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
One, two, three, four, five.
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]
TECHNICIAN: So the way it works is,
you place your document on this surface here.
Can you see that?
I can't.
Okay. Yeah. Try this.
Triplets?
TECHNICIAN: Yeah.
Triplets! Mom, triplets!
VIVIAN: Honey, you can see that?
I can read!
VIVIAN: Oh, my God.
That's wonderful Joanie.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Joan?
JOAN: I'm upstairs, Marsha!
Honey, did you know the front door was unlocked?
JOAN: I left it open for Boris.
Boris?
Mr. Krusky. He delivers for the hardware store.
What in the world?
What do you think?
Go easy, I'm a blind lady.
Oh, it's great if you like the mottled effect.
Listen, I'm sorry about the other night.
Oh, honey, it's me.
You remember Scott Clare from high school?
You know, the quarterback?
-Never gave us the time of day. -Yeah.
His wife asked me to help plan his birthday party next month
and I'm inviting you.
I don't know, hon.
I make people from the old days nervous.
I need something to wear to the gym.
What's "in", now?
This.
Really?
Yeah.
WOMAN: Nicky! You're up next.
MAN : Here you go.
MAN : Oh, that's okay. Thank you.
Take mine.
I don't bite. Honest.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
DR. JAYNES: There's nothing wrong with your heart.
Your general health is fine, Joan.
But, of course, your eyes, there's no change there.
I've never heard of another case like it.
Well, let me know if you do.
Us two medical mysteries can grab a latte together,
trade w*r stories.
[CHUCKLES]
You know, this is a teaching hospital.
How do you feel about answering a few questions
from my medical students?
Sure.
[MAN CLEARS THROAT]
Hi.
I'm Joan.
[CLEARS THROAT] And I'm blind.
Um, I didn'’t plan on being blind.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
But it has its advantages.
Um, I don't have to watch infomercials.
[LAUGHTER]
Um, were you born blind?
I mean, not that it matters.
JOAN: Oh, but it does.
Believe it or not, I was teaching blind kids
when I lost my sight
and what I learned from that experience was that,
for children who are born impaired,
imagination plays a much larger role than memory.
DR. JAYNES: I can't think of a better way for these folks
to spend an hour, Joan.
How did you come up with so much detail?
I started keeping a journal awhile back.
I guess I thought it was cheaper than a shrink.
Want my advice?
Share it.
I was at the grocery store the other day,
and I asked the girl at the cash register
to help me with my change.
When she found out I was blind, she said, "Oh, wow!
-Do you know sign language?" -[LAUGHTER]
And I said, "No, that's Helen. I'm Joan."
[LAUGHTER]
For a while I kept asking, "Why me?"
I mean, don't we all do that,
when we injure ourselves, or lose a loved one,
or take any of life's horrible falls?
But then I realized,
we're all human beings on the same playing field.
None of us is above providence.
So the answer is, "Why not me?"
Done. Move on.
The real question is, what are you gonna do now?
BOY: So, what do you do you get, like, frustrated?
JOAN: Find a release.
I pull a pillow over my head and scream.
[SCREAMS]
[LAUGHTER]
I did that just a couple nights ago
and I just know, the next door neighbors
were going, "Oh, God, Walter.
She can't find the scotch tape again."
[LAUGHTER]
What do you miss the most?
So what did you tell her?
A partner.
To love.
A two-parent family for Joy.
Then do something about it, hon.
Go to a ball game. Join the Kiwanis.
I don't know, maybe we can do one of those
-internet dating clubs. -Oh, please.
MARSHA: You know, nothing kinky.
Although I'm for that, of course.
MAN: Excuse me, ma'am.
Would you like to dance?
[COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING IN BACKGROUND]
Go ahead Marsha. I'm fine.
Oh, he's not talking to me, hon.
Oh, I'm just here to listen to the music.
Joan Beringer, you used to be
the best two stepper in high school.
-Marsha, no. -MARSHA: Come on now.
No, I can't.
MARSHA: Take the little lady for a spin, Cowboy.
And be careful, don't let her show you up.
Yes, ma'am.
Don't let go of my hand.
MAN: Don't worry, I won't.
Whoopsie.
♪ 'Cause I can't fight The moonlight ♪
♪ When it's shining In your eyes ♪
♪There could be No holding back♪
♪ Time would be too right
♪ And girl It's more than I can do ♪
♪ To sit right here And look at you ♪
♪ 'Cause I can't fight The moonlight tonight ♪
♪ No, I can't fight The moonlight tonight ♪
[COUNTRY MUSIC CONTINUES]
♪ No, I can't fight The moonlight tonight ♪
[APPLAUSE]
Whoo-hoo!
You go girl!
[CHUCKLES]
BARTENDER: Hey there, pretty lady.
Hello there.
Thank you, ma'am.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Too bad you're stuck behind that bar.
BARTENDER: [CHUCKLES] Yeah.
Oh.
-Where you going, hon? -Home!
Oh, the guy just wanted to dance with a pretty lady!
Oh, yeah. And he looked like John Travolta, right?
A resemblance.
Couldn't wait to dump the blind lady.
I don't even think he knew you were blind!
Don't do this to me, Marsha.
Don't do this to yourself, Joan.
All right. So, you're not a bar person.
My mistake.
But listen you to me, Joan Beringer.
You are coming to Scott Clare's party with me on Saturday night
if I have to force you at gunpoint.
-No, I won't. -Joan.
Will the g*n be loaded?
Possibly.
[COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING]
[LAUGHS]
-WOMAN: There. -MAN : Oh, right.
-Oh, I remember her. -[DOORBELL RINGS]
-MAN : Hey, Scott. -Hi.
MARSHA: Hey, we're here.
-Hey, hey! -Hi. Happy birthday!
-Oh, look who I brought. -Hey Joan.
-Hi, Scott. Happy birthday. -Thank you so much.
You should see him Joanie. Sixty never looked so good.
Please, I only play golf like I'm .
-[CHUCKLES] -Everyone look!
It's the most beautiful girl in class!
Oh, thank you.
Joan Beringer!
Hey, Joanie, it's me. Cindy.
Cindy, hi.
Would you like the regular or high-octane, Joan?
-Uh-- -High-octane.
-Okay. -JIM: Is that Joan Beringer?
Jim Brock?
You look terrific, Joan.
It's great to see you again.
It's great to see you again too.
Scott, where are your kids? I want my hug.
You better hurry. Diane and I just put them to bed.
Excuse us.
-Diane is... -Scott's wife.
Oh, yeah. Of course.
I always hang out with Scott and Diane when I come to town.
As far as their kids are concerned, I'm Uncle Jim.
I was hoping you'd be here.
Here I am.
JIM: For however hard it's been, Joanie
and I know it's been terrible.
I can only tell you, I can't believe you're blind.
-JOAN: It's that bad, huh? -JIM: No,
I mean earlier you came back from the powder room,
like no problem.
Well, I just-- I remembered to follow the line
of the dining room table
and I have a smidge of peripheral vision,
so I figured the two black blobs were your shoes.
I should be so smart hunting butterflies.
I have-- I have this picture of Jim Brock with knobby knees,
waving around this little green net
on the end of a long stick.
-Nailed me. -Yeah?
No, I don't have knobby knees
and I look for butterflies in places like Brazil
and the West Indies.
And Missouri, of course.
All the exotic places.
My God, I'm talking butterflies.
I don't want to scare you off.
Do I look scared?
No.
You look beautiful.
I bet you say that to all the visually impaired girls.
-[CHUCKLES] Yeah. -MARSHA: Oh, there it is.
SCOTT: There it is. Put this on.
MARSHA: Oh, why thank you.
I can't wait to hear about your love life.
Well, you're gonna have to wait.
Didn't you say you had to relieve
the baby sitter at
Oh, yeah. Is it that late already?
Yeah.
Well, I hope Marsha is ready to drive me home.
Because she hates to leave a party.
-Oh, happy birthday. -Thank you so much.
Looks like she already has your stuff.
SCOTT: I will.
Great. Okay.
-Thank you, Linda. -LINDA: Anytime.
-Joy is great. -Thanks.
-Bye. -Bye.
Bye, hon.
Why didn't you ask Scott about Jim Brock?
I did.
And?
Quote, "Jimbo married? Only to his work."
And he's got more girlfriends than George Clooney.
Well, excellent.
Then it's time to roll up your sleeves.
JOAN: No! Are you crazy?
-Look who I'm asking. -Well, why not?
He's cute. He's single.
He has a harem.
Of normal women.
He's here visiting his parents all week.
Why don't you call him?
I will not. And say what?
"Remember me? I'm the blind girl
with the cheese whiz on her teeth?"
I don't know. Tell him you want his advice.
You're thinking of publishing a book.
I'm not going to. That's blatant manipulation.
Honey, it's a jungle out there.
[SIGHS] Marsha,
he was just being sweet to a blind lady, that's all.
I got to go to bed.
I got a speech tomorrow.
Which will be fine,
because I'm great with men in groups.
Good night.
MARSHA: Good night.
JOAN:My father is a minister.
And as minister's often do,
he sat me down a few months ago, and reminded me,
that for every fearful night, there is a twilight of hope.
And I said, "Yeah, right Dad."
[LAUGHTER]
That may work on the Sunday morning crowd...
[LAUGHTER]
...but for me, there is no twilight.
I live and walk in a world of permanent darkness.
And he thought about that for a second,
and then he said, "Well, maybe those who walk in darkness
have to turn on their own lights."
[APPLAUSE]
A wise man my father.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
-Thank you. -Thanks for coming.
-We loved your talk. -Thank you.
Listen, I'm no expert
but there's this huge convention once a year
put on by the Million Dollar Roundtable.
They select all the best speakers
people who can motivate and inspire.
I'd like to nominate you.
Oh, that's out of my league.
Well, maybe, but my name is Marty Kline,
and I'm gonna do it.
I'll let you know.
-God bless you. -JOAN: Thank you.
JIM: No fair.
I can't match that offer.
It's Jim Brock.
I know.
JIM: I'm leaving town day after tomorrow
and I just wanted to see you one more time.
-You were great. -JOAN: Thank you.
That's funny because, um...
I was gonna call you.
I had questions about publishing, and I--
Well, that's a long discussion.
Might even require a bite to eat.
You like bears?
Bears?
KID: Come on, guys! Let's go!
JOY: I see them, Mom!
Those are brown bears, Joy. Grizzlies.
You can tell by the curl of their claws.
You want a sip? Nine o'’clock.
[BEAR GROWLING]
-Same to you, fella! -What's he saying?
I think that's Yukon for lunch!
Lunch! Yeah!
She's having a ball. Thank you so much.
Even if we don't talk publishing--
Oh, you thought this was our dinner meeting?
No, that's tonight.
I've heard about blind dates all my life.
I want one.
Who knows what moves men?
For Scott, it'’s an eagle on fourteen
at the Sioux Falls Country Club.
For me?
Dawn in Brazil.
A two-inch azure butterfly
settling on the petal of an orchid in the rainforest.
Not that I wouldn't love to eagle fourteen.
But the rainforest at first light,
that's as close as I've come to God.
Well.
It's the time tonight.
I wish I could see you.
I barely remember that day at the Museum.
In my mind, you're still years old.
Great! Keep that picture.
[LAUGHTER]
Except, I'm not.
I'm a -year-old man who'd almost given up.
And right now,
I think I'm holding everything I ever hoped for.
[PHONE RINGING]
Jim.
Hi, Kathy.
Uh, yes.
Good. Pick me up at baggage claim.
Listen, I'’ll call you back.
I missed you too. Bye.
A friend. Sorry.
I would have turned my phone off
but my dog's with the vet and I just wanted to be sure.
Listen we still haven't talked about publishing.
You've written two books, I mean, wow.
How did you submit all those--
Joan, the woman on the phone, it's just platonic.
It's none of my business.
Don't do this?
What?
I have to leave early in the morning.
This is an airline ticket.
For you.
I'd like you to come to St. Louis.
Let me show you my world.
Jim, this is crazy.
My life is here and this is too fast.
Every hour of our lives is a gift.
You said so in your speech.
You'’re the last person I should say this to,
but who knows what will happen tomorrow?
[SIGHS]
I hope you'll come.
Hey boy. Renegade, come here.
Hey, how're you doing?
I want you to meet Renegade. Renegade, this is Joan.
Renegade, I've been waiting months to meet you.
Good boy. Good boy. Thank God you came.
My last long-distance bill was more than the mortgage.
Watch your step coming through here.
The guest room's in the back.
I smell pine and lemon.
It's fresh.
Your living room, what does it look like?
You remember Buckingham Palace?
-Nothing like that. -Nothing like that.
Come on.
We're on this deck that overlooks the river.
There are stairs right there.
Three stairs going down.
There you go.
And action!
Okay. Zooming out. You're right at the stairs.
Three stairs down.
Now we're walking toward my workshop.
-You okay? -Yeah.
What are you doing?
Yeah. I'm making a video. For Joy.
So, you can show her St. Louis.
After all, I'm courting two girls.
This is my laboratory.
I can track migration locally, play with different species.
Oh, hang on!
What's happening?
I've been waiting a year for this.
Close your eyes.
[CHUCKLES] Very funny.
Hold out your hand.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
What is it?
It's a painted lady coming out of its chrysalis.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
It's moving around.
-Are you ready? -Yeah.
Okay. Go ahead.
JOAN: What's it doing?
JIM: It'’s getting warm in the sun.
Let's go. Come on.
There.
We have lift off.
Is it okay?
JIM: Riding the wind.
Not a fear.
Shell gone forever.
[CHUCKLES] I can hear it.
Come here.
[UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING]
I got really excited waiting for your plane.
And I thought is this just
old high school hormones racing?
Tapes in our head?
And then I thought, yeah!
But, I think it's a lot more than that.
My mom held on to this for a long time...
[GASPS]
...until I asked her to mail it to me last week.
This was my aunt's.
Joan?
Will you marry me?
[CHUCKLES]
-Too corny? -No. No, not too corny.
I'm afraid, Jim.
Not of you.
Only a wonderful man would wait a year for a butterfly to hatch.
It's just, in the real world,
in the world that we would live in,
I can't shop in supermarkets.
I can'’t see the products.
-I can't drive a car. -I understand that.
JOAN: You can't possibly.
I'm a dependent person.
I take a toll on everyone in my life.
I mean, what happens in a year from now?
Or five years from now?
In five years, we'll have lived
the best five years of our lives.
I'm in this forever, Joan.
-If you wait for guarantees... -[PHONE RINGING]
...I think you miss the whole shebang.
Sorry.
-Hello? -KAREN:Joan? It's Karen.
I'm at the hospital in Cedar Rapids.
-Cory's been hurt. -What?
KAREN:He tried to run away from the school.
He got hit in a cross-walk downtown.
Is he okay?
KAREN:We're not sure. They're doing tests.
I'm coming.
I'm coming there.
I have to go.
I'll call you from Iowa.
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Mr. and Mrs. Mason? You remember Joan Beringer.
How is he?
Better. It was a bad scare.
He should be okay.
At least until he runs away again.
May I see him?
Thank you. This way, Joan.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, Cor?
Mrs. B's here.
He's sitting.
I'm glad you can't see me.
That's a nice thought. Thanks.
You can't hit what you can't see, right?
Why would I hit you?
I let you down, honey.
You once asked me if you were ready to mainstream.
It was the right question,
and I gave you the wrong answer.
You were ready,
and I was the one who was afraid.
But what I know now is that
blind people can dive right into the sighted world.
They can live there. And work there.
They can even love there.
They just need the guts to make that choice.
Yeah, well, tell that to my parents.
Oh, honey, I will.
I will.
We're in this together, right?
Right.
-JOAN: One second, hon, okay? -KAREN: Mm-hmm, okay.
[PHONE KEYS BEEPING]
[PHONE RINGING]
JIM:Jim Brock.
-Yes. -JIM:Really?
I can order the flowers? You sure?
-Yes. -JIM:That's great.
JOAN:In my life, there'd been many a blind curve.
After all the long hard miles,
what's the last thing you'd think
could happen to Mrs. B?
I got lucky! A gift to be cherished.
JIM: I will.
JOAN:A second chance at love.
BOB: Joan, will you have this man as your wedded husband,
to live together in the holy state of matrimony?
JOAN:During the vows between Jim and me,
Marsha could not stop crying.
My father finally had to say,
"Marsha you're at a wedding, not a funeral!"
[LAUGHTER]
JOAN: I have walked in a valley of shadow for a long time, now.
But I have also climbed magnificent, sunlit mountains.
People often say
that the eyes are the windows to the soul...
but if you ask me, I think true vision...
comes from the heart.
Courage,
friendship,
faith...
love.
They can't be seen...
but they are everything.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
[CHEERS]
[UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING]