What's your Story to Tell?

I recently watched the two-part documentary "Steve (martin) | A Documentary in Two Pieces" on Apple TV. 

There's a scene in which he shows off his library of scripts from the forty plus movies he's made. Steve points to a very long piece of dialogue delivered by John Candy near the end of 1987's Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. He tells us that by the time Candy had finished his speech, he was overwhelmed. He tears up again in retelling the story. We see a depth to Steve Martin's feelings that surprise us. Unfortunately, we only get to see a snippet, because the majority of the scene was cut.

Here's how the scene unfolds...

Del Griffith (played by John Candy) is sitting alone in a train station when Neal Page (Steve Martin) runs in from the train and asks,

"Del, what are you doing here? You said you were going home... What are you doing here?"

Del replies,

"I, uh, I don't have a home. Marie's been dead for eight years."

(You can see it here. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles)

Del's actions throughout the movie make a ton more sense. He's not trying to be obnoxious, he's just looking to be part of something that he longs for. He's looking for home.

The Danish Author Isak Dinesen said, "To be a person is to have a story to tell."

Everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes we can create enough space for a story to be told.

When we get to tell our stories, others can understand our actions. Without the story, sometimes the actions don't make sense... or are just annoying.

I love getting to hear the stories of the people I work with... their coworkers, friends, and partners love hearing them as well. It's what makes us human.

What's your story to tell?

PS - There's an AI version of that lost scene with a likeness of John Candy. It's a bit creepy like Tom Hanks in Polar Express is a bit creepy. Close your eyes and listen - you'll see what moved Steve Martin.

AI deleted scene of Del's apology 

"I number about 300 hotels as my home. I sort of attach myself to people from time to time..."