~Jack, Come back~

I have always been fascinated by the story of the sinking of the Titanic, April 1912.

The sadness of all these people who were heading somewhere .......full of hope,and excitement, or looking forward to new beginnings.
 Many with loved ones waiting on the other side.
all lost in a moment. 

The movie captured so  much of what I imagine the night to have been like.

Lives just being lived in the moment, dancing and dining the night away in their elegant surroundings, unaware that this will be the LAST night for many of them.

actual photograph of one of the dining rooms

I was thrilled to find out that James Cameron's " Titanic "was being re-released this month for the 

100 year anniversary of the tragedy. In IMAX and 3D, no less.

So after much anticipation
 we are off for our 3 hour adventure.

Tickets in hand

Snacks at the ready

Erin, ever the fashionista modeling the latest in 3D eye wear.

It was more spectacular than I imagined.  

And getting such an up close view of all the gorgeous clothing was a real treat.

Did you forget just how adorable Leonardo di Caprio was?

And it was also more traumatic, seeing it........larger than life.

I actually hoped that this time, Jack might be saved. In fact I was sure of it.  I was almost able to reach out and touch him.

but alas..............No.
It was not meant to be.


There were sniffles of course, and a tear or two discreetly brushed from a cheek
but my girlfriends and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie
 ( and highly recommend seeing it at an IMAX theatre in 3D)
But all in all it's still.... just a movie. It ends, and we go home to our lives.

For for the real passengers the horror was beyond belief.

But we still remember their story all these years later. We are still talking about them,  looking for bits and pieces of information, trying to piece together that night of nights.
We are fascinated to find a bit of china, insignia from an officers' uniform, a childs' toy....that help to bring the stark,  dry historical  facts into clearer focus,

actual Titanic china pattern being re-released for the anniversary

two authentic White Star Line china cups and saucers from the collection of historian Russ Upholster Jr, match examples salvaged from Titanic. (courtesy Tea Time Magazine)

Passenger category	Number aboard	Number saved	Number lost	Percentage saved	Percentage lost
Children, First Class	6	5	1	83.4%	16.6%
Children, Second Class	24	24	0	100%	0%
Children, Third Class	79	27	52	34%	66%
Women, First Class	144	140	4	97%	3%
Women, Second Class	93	80	13	86%	14%
Women, Third Class	165	76	89	46%	54%
Women, Crew	23	20	3	87%	13%
Men, First Class	175	57	118	33%	67%
Men, Second Class	168	14	154	8%	92%
Men, Third Class	462	75	387	16%	84%
Men, Crew	865	192	693	22%	78%
Total	2224	710	1514	32%	68

(figures from Wikipedia)

these were not just 1514  victims, they were real people and we wish to know something about them.........we want to touch their lives in some way. 

Not far from my little corner of the world, we are lucky to have a wonderful 'Titanic Museum' that really does a fine job of weaving the story with the artifacts on display.  
It's very well done.  And if you are intrigued by this particular event in history it's worth checking it out.

Titanic Museum in Branson, MO

click here

Good bye Jack.