I’ve been on a serious documentary trip as of late and I feel like it’s my duty to spread the word about the most emotional film I have ever witnessed.
“Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father” reduced me to a pile of tears, sadness and downright seething emotions.
The 95-minute film is an unforgettable watch as filmmaker Kurt Kuenne introduces us to his fallen best friend, Dr. Andrew Bagby. After learning of Bagby’s unforeseen death, Kuenne sets out on a cross-country journey interviewing everybody who was touched by Bagby’s kindness and friendship.
During Kuenne’s quest, he introduces the ultimate antagonist: Dr. Shirley Turner.
Turner, who was the prime suspect in Bagby’s death, reveals that she was pregnant with Bagby’s baby about a month after his murder. When Kuenne discovers this harrowing truth, he then decides to dedicate the documentary to Bagby’s soon-to-be son Zachary so when the child grows up he can view the film and find out how many people cared about his father and what kind of man Bagby was.
This documentary has played a profound effect on my everyday life since I watched the film three months ago. The ability Kuenne portrays as he weaves in-and-out of stories and memories of love, friendship and loss have helped me realize that I shouldn’t take advantage of the people that are close to me and to never be afraid of telling a person how much they really mean.
Luckily, I’ve kept the same group of close friends for more than a decade and my girlfriend and I have been together for almost four years now. I feel like a very blessed man thanks to the friendships I’ve gained through my life and I intend to make the most of them.
As crazy and ridiculous as it sounds, it’s easy to forget about the people you love. It’s easy to take love and friendship for granted because it is a reliable quality to fall back on.
It’s unfortunate that it took a documentary about a tragic death to help me realize how important life’s memories really are.
Confucius said it best: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”