Coming Home (2016)

[bunniefuu]

This is the
story of my father.

My dad would tell
me years later that

sometimes it takes
something bigger

than our egos to
get our attention.

We try so hard to
run away from things

that we forget who we
are in the process.

Well my dad remembered
who he was that Christmas.

This is his story.

Hey John.

I wanted to let you know that
I'm still praying for us.

Things will get better
with prayer, I'm sure.

But I am proud of you.

I wish you didn't have
to be gone so much.

I end up staring at your side of

the bed a lot since
you got this job.

But you know where
I put it right?

I always put it in
your right pocket.

Please just pray, please?

Remember who guides your hands.

I'm praying for that poor boy.

Yeah.

Doctor Harper?

Yeah.

They're ready for you.

Miracle hands right?

That's why they
asked for the best.

Hello?

Doctor Harper, you asked us

to inform you of any opening at

the Town Square Family Clinic.

Our assistant said that
the envelope came today.

Tim?

Yes sir.

You don't have
to call me sir or Doctor.

That's for people who didn't
know me in high school.

It's nice hearing your voice.

It's been a long time.

So this is the clinic on
the Square in Main Street?

If you want the
job, you can have it.

Even if this is
your old hometown.

It sure would be nice
to have you back, buddy.

Yeah.

I'll take a look at it, sure.

Oh great.

We just didn't
know if a person of

your caliber would want
something like this.

Well vacation starts
in a couple hours,

so can I think about
it over the holidays?

Oh yes, of course.

Okay then.

I'll call you later.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah, happy holidays.

John, it's your brother, Matt.

Look, dad passed
away late last night.

We're getting everything
ready for the visitation.

I would love for
you to be there.

Mom needs us right now.

Let's just put our
difference aside.

Hey baby, how you doing?

Not so good.

No matter how horrible
that man was...

Losing him just
makes me think a lot.

That man was your father.

I'm glad you're
home finally though.

This job's taking
more out of me,

and us, than I thought it would.

You can't save them all, John.

I'm the best.

You're not God though.

But I am the best.

You put my name in at
the clinic on the Square?

Less stress.

Yeah, I guess.

Will you pray about it?

I'll think about it.

Family comes
first, remember that.

I thought if I stayed away and

worked I wouldn't
become like him.

But now you're never here.

It's hard to raise
two kids by yourself.

And without the
man that you love.

Can we not talk
about this right now?

Sorry.

I understand about
losing parents, you know.

I'm sorry.

Just makes you think doesn't it?

I mean when I lost mine it
shook my reality to the core.

Then with Hope's
parents, same way.

I'm glad we could be
there for her though.

Me too.

You were there for me, so
I wanna be there for you too.

I know.

I just have never been that

person before, that
needed the help.

I know you haven't.

He was such a horrible man.

I know he was
horrible when you were

little, but then
he came to Christ.

He gave up the booze
and he was quite

opposite from the man
that you once knew.

Please don't get all
spiritual on me right now.

Sorry.

Why the job on the Square?

Of all jobs?

It's always been home, John.

The hours are great.

You'd have more time to
spend with your family.

I know it's not as much money as

you make now, but if that's your

only dilemma, then
I know about 99%

of the world who
would take that issue.

I just, I don't know
why you're always

trying to keep up
with the Joneses.

I think they actually
live next door

and are trying to
keep up with us now.

It's never been about
the job or the money.

I can't talk about
all this right now.

Hello?

Yeah.

God, please help John.

Hello?

Are you working
at dad's store right now?

Yeah, yeah, what's going on?

How's the store doing?

It's good.

I'll be paying you back soon.

Just got a lot of bills we're
going through right now.

Store's in trouble already.

I didn't say that.

Do you need more
money to keep it afloat?

No.

I said I'll be
paying you back soon.

I'll believe it when I see it.

Look, do we really wanna talk
about dad's store right now?

Why are you calling me, John?

When's the funeral?

In the next day or so
because of Christmas.

Are you coming?

Thinking about it.

I don't know if I
can do the funeral.

I understand.

I really do.

See you then.

Yeah, see you then.

What is your deal, Caleb?

He failed his last test.

Again.

He's in home school, dad.

Home school.

Think about that.

You're a smart kid.

What's going on?

She's messing you,
I'm not failing, I get

all As, I put them on
the fridge over there.

I told you I'd
get him to notice.

Wow, thanks for that.

I do notice.

You never come to
any of my competitions,

me winning awards, my recitals,

my theater productions,
me going into high school.

Nice try, but you
aren't in high school yet.

Really?

Mom!

He doesn't know that
I'm in high school!

Go easy on your
dad today, Hope.

I need more extra credit, mom.

Life is about getting
ahead, like dad always says.

Caleb, it's time
to get a grip,

put your stuff up, and
just get a grip please.

What's wrong with him?

He wants to be like
someone he knows.

Choose work, right dad?

Yeah, okay.

Do what your mom says please.

I'm just acting like you,

nothing ever seems
to please you.

Wow.

I get the point already,
I work too much.

Work too much?

You're nonexistent.

Kids, go get ready to go!

Work is never done.

Caleb, you are not taking your

homework with you to granny's!

Can you call your
brothers and let them

know we'll be there
for Christmas please?

I'm not calling that
money grubber again.

You brought up the
money that we loaned them?

At this time of year?

I'm gonna go pack the bags.

You couldn't even
save him, could You?

This is Father Matt.

Hey Matt, it's John.

Hey John.

I'm coming in.

Okay, I'm about to make my way

over to the house right now.

How's mom?

As well as expected.

She did love him, John.

We won't be there
at the funeral.

I just can't do it.

Do you wanna talk about it?

You always took his side.

I never took
anyone's side, John.

It's funny, the church
never did anything

about him hitting us
when we were younger.

Now the church is
hosting his funeral?

It's the only
church in town, John.

Plus we aren't the judge.

Yeah yeah yeah.

I gotta go.

What are you thinking?

Why?

You're staring at me.

I was just thinking
that this might be the

last Christmas I'll have
with you before college.

I'll be here next
year hopefully.

You might have surgery
scheduled next year.

That's what always happens.

Look, this is a
great job, okay?

I know you might
not like your dad,

but at least you got to
know your real father.

Hey.

I do love you.

I try to do this
for you, all of you.

I know you do.

I just need some
time, that's all.

What was all that about?

I am totally lost in
this fatherhood thing.

Well you are out of practice.

I know.

I haven't been the best parent.

No, I was talking
about your packing job.

Oh.

Yeah.

Multi-task man, multi-task.

Hey, I was having a
father/daughter moment for once.

Babe, wouldn't it be
nice to live here again?

We can live right off the Square

over there and
have lunch together

like we did in high
school and college.

Sounds like the old days.

Are you guys really
talking about that job again?

Yes we are.

I'm just saying
it'd be nice to go

back over to the Silver Caboose

at noon and have lunch together.

Wait, you guys used to go over

there every day to eat lunch?

Mmmhm.

That's so sweet.

Yeah, sweet.

Come on, babe.

Hey Matt, it's
good to see you.

Hi, Uncle Matt.

Caleb, is that homework?

No!

You two are
looking mighty big.

Need help?

When you're able to.

I'll get the
bags, you guys can

go on in and see grandma, okay?

It's good to see you, John.

It's really good
to see you too, Matt.

Listen, the funeral was rushed

because of Christmas coming up.

It was a shame you
couldn't have been there.

I was late on purpose.

I couldn't deal with it.

That's understandable.

God has a way to soften
the hardest of hearts.

Dad changed a great deal.

He prayed, he went to Mass,
it was like the old dad.

Remember him?

Yeah, a little too
preachy for me, man.

Think everyone's left.

John.

Can't even remember the
last time you were here.

I can't remember
a sober father.

Yeah, well he had his
share of demons, Johnny.

We all do.

You know, you ought to go out to

the garage while you're here and

look at some of those
old Christmas videos.

Might remind you of the
good in your father.

I have a video out
there titled If Dad

Ever Cared to Watch because
I know he never did.

Your father,
the one you refuse

to accept, the good
one, would surprise you.

I don't wanna get into this
with you, not after 10 years.

He wanted you to come home,

John, these last
three Christmases.

He wanted to show you
how much he had changed.

He reached out to you and you

refused to return
his phone calls.

Not even one.

John...

I don't wanna fight
either, Johnny.

Good.

But I will demand that
you accept the fact that

he changed, and
that he loved me,

truly loved me these
past few years.

You'd be surprised at
what your father did.

Why did you come home, John?

Because you needed us.

I have wanted a relationship

with my son for
the past 10 years.

Why now?

Because he's not here?

Well if you wanna
know the truth...

He is my father.

Not being able to share that

moment with him,
it's eating at me.

Did you really hate your
father that much, John?

I just wanted a
father who loved me.

And spent time with
me without hitting me.

And how is running
away from everyone

and working yourself
to death working

out for your wife and children?

I can't do this
right now, sorry.

Do you remember our first date?

The soda pop stand?

Yeah, it's still romantic
even after all this time.

You think we could do
that again sometime?

Like we used to?

Yeah.

You remember that
night when you took me

to the gazebo and we
danced to imaginary

music because you couldn't
afford a CD player?

We were so young then.

I remember.

How about going back
sometime this week?

We could bring music this time.

You used to have a way of just
making everything romantic.

Do you remember the
night when you proposed?

Yeah.

I'm trying to force
myself to be here.

There's a lot on me
right now, you know?

I'm getting a text
from one of my

partners on a
patient I worked on.

Can't you let them handle it?

They could, but...

They could, but
you'd rather handle it

yourself than talk
to me right now.

My job demands
perfection, or this happens.

I have to be perfect.

I could've saved him.

I'm sorry.

Too much, too soon.

I know it's hard
for you, but I

just want you to
be here with me.

Yeah.

I know.

Saint Joseph
pray for me, amen.

Pray over this house a lot?

Usually the ones that
need it, especially today.

What's this?

It's a Saint
Joseph prayer card.

Patron saint of fatherhood.

Don't you think we have enough

Saint Joseph statues
around this house?

Do you have something
against Saint Joseph, John?

Nah.

I find it ironic that this man

had this saint all
around this house.

It has a lot to do with
returning to his faith.

Yeah, okay.

Do you really pray?

Yeah.

I think about praying.

That's not the same thing.

Well I am praying.

About thinking about
praying, about things.

About that job?

Sure.

You don't need it back?

Don't worry about it.

You should see how many
prayer cards I have.

I'm not moving back here.

You haven't prayed about it?

I've thought about it.

Let me be.

Again, that's
not the same thing.

Again, let me be.

I'm just saying.

You're not helping.

Okay, I'm letting it go.

Howdy, brother!

Hey James.

Sorry we couldn't
get here earlier.

There was a lot of bills we had

to go through for
mom and the company.

I bet.

John.

James.

Let me show
you guys in the house.

Nice to see you again, John.

Come on, kids.

You too, Mary.

So that's Uncle John?

We've never met him before.

Is he really an
uncle or just a friend?

Wow, I really am your uncle.

That's what happens when
you never come around.

Don't start.

Hey!

Hey Jessie, good to see you!

Oh my God, yes,
a year is too long.

Tell me about it.

James and Mary have taken over

the family business down at the

Square since John
Senior was getting

too sick to get
out of the house.

It's been busy.

You can say that again.

I bet.

Well James decided to pay down

a huge debt to an
investor, and when

I say it has eaten up all of our

funds for running
the store, I mean the

rent is up, I don't know
what we're gonna do.

Oh God, let's not
talk about Christmas.

It's gonna be pretty tight this

year because of us
paying this money back,

but you know what,
it should work.

I thought the company
was doing so great.

Oh it is, it is, it's
just a huge hit, you know?

But we work hard, we pray,
and it's gonna be fine.

Yes it will.

Well I'll definitely
be praying for you guys.

I'm sure everything
will be fine.

You know, John's home.

It's been really
nice having him here.

Sure it is.

Go easy on him, Mary.

I will, don't worry about me.

How have you been?

Been good.

Good?

And you?

Okay.

So do you need another loan?

You seem to have a lot of bills.

I'm not made of money, James.

Here we go.

Well you always
talk about money.

No I don't, you do.

I said I'll be paying
you back, John.

Just not right at this second.

I'll believe it when I see it.

John, I love you,
but you need to

get off your high horse,
you're not perfect.

You shouldn't expect
everyone else to be as well.

You had a great opportunity to

make a lot of money
at that other job.

And I chose my family, John.

That's something you
don't know anything about.

I don't wanna
talk about this...

You're the one
that brought it up!

You're the one
that owes money!

And I wouldn't have
taken the money, John,

if I knew you were gonna
hold it over my head.

I said it's coming.

Just not today.

I will believe
it when I see it.

I'm so sorry about John, Mary.

He has no idea
what's coming to him.

It's a rough
time for everyone.

Yeah, you're
right, you're right.

Looks like John is leaving
with Matt to the Square.

Just like the old days.

Yeah, it looks
like they're having

some fun in-between arguments.

It's a refiner's
fire up in here!

Is it hot to you?

Boy those kids can get at
it like I've never seen.

But it's good to get
stuff out in the open.

It's hard when a
man you love doesn't

seem to show the same love back.

Mom, that was uncalled for.

Really nice outfit, GG.

I know.

I make this look good.

It does seem like he works and

cares more about work
than me sometimes,

but I know that's
not true, you know?

How are you doing?

Well he's here.

Which is a huge start, but could

definitely be under
better circumstances.

Sometimes it takes the worst

things for God to
get our attention.

It's just...

I pray so hard, but...

Do you pray for your family?

We're Catholic women.

We pray all the time.

Plus have you seen our men?

We prayed both our
husbands to Heaven.

We prayed long and hard!

Let us show you something.

Yeah Jessie,
come on into the kitchen.

What are you doing, Caleb?

Having issues, man.

Having issues.

They won't let me
bring my homework.

This is borderline child abuse.

You're nuts, this
is Christmas vacation.

Have you ever wanted to pull

your hair out because you can't

do something or be
something, maybe if

you could be something
or do something

else it would all be different?

Doing something,
being something else.

You're speaking in code, dude.

My dad's here.

I wanna hang out with him,
but I never really have.

I try to be the best
at school because

being the best at everything is

all he really seems
to care about.

Our dad is always around.

I wouldn't get onto a
dad who's still around.

Come on, we're
gonna go play outside.

Wanna come?

Sure.

Since when did dad
start selling Christian
cowboy outfits?

It's a cross on a boot, John.

I wouldn't call
it a whole outfit.

But it started a little
after his head started going.

He really let work get to him.

Drove him to drink, I know.

I was there with you.

Dad always wanted me
to take this place over.

I just let my anger
get in the way.

No one's perfect.

I chose money.

I ran right into
what I was trying

to avoid with all this stress.

It smells just like
it did 10 years ago.

I think I might've become dad.

Without knowing it.

We sometimes become the thing

we try so hard to get away from.

Sometimes we just
need to give it to

God and live our
lives without fear.

Well it's nice
to see the place.

When my husband's
health started

to go down, he
couldn't walk down

the street to the church, so we

made this area to
pray for our family.

We prayed every
morning and every

night for our family
until he passed.

That's so sweet.

Jessica, this
culture of materialism

that we live in puts a
lot of loving parents in

hard places where both
of them have to work.

You can work to live or
you can live to work.

You can get lost in what you

do and think that's who you are.

But in the end, only thing you

can take to Heaven
is your family.

That's why family is the only
thing that matters, period.

You can use this area to
pray anytime you want.

Or the church is just on the
Square a couple of blocks over.

Really?

You don't mind?

Pray away.

The one I was praying
for, after sitting in

his chair all these
years, is dancing today.

Sit my son down.

Tell him what's on your heart.

He'll listen.

I don't know.

I mean it's hard to even
get him just to spend

time with me much less have
an actual conversation.

If you don't try
now, then when?

And if not you, then who will
get to your husband's heart?

I'll knock him around for you.

Here I am Lord, send me!

I'm learning a lot
about myself this week.

More than I thought I would.

Good.

What's on your mind?

Why did you call me in
here away from everybody?

I've been wanting
to talk to you

for a while, and
there's just some

stuff I wanna get off my chest.

Okay.

I never really
told you what it's

like not having you
home all the time.

And why I want, would like
for you to take the job.

I don't think I
ever really let you

tell me what it's like
being married to me.

I'm kinda scared.

Scared?

I just want you to
tell me how it is.

Let's get it out there.

Really?

Let me have it before
I change my mind.

Okay, well if
it gets to be too

much for you, just
let me know okay?

Is there a safe word?

You can stop me anytime.

Since you're never
here, I basically

feel like I'm a single parent.

It's like having a monster truck

running through your
head all the time.

I get migraines every week.

I do everything for our kids.

I take Hope to
theater practice and

I help Caleb with his homework.

I listen to them tell me all the

time how much they want their

dad to be a part of their life.

As a parent, you give up
so much for your kids.

Prayer time, your alone time.

When you're not here,
all of that falls on me.

It's hard being a
good mom to two kids

when I feel like for most of our

marriage you haven't
even been present.

I feel like I have a one-sided

marriage and parent
relationship.

I'm so tired all
the time, and I know

you work so hard for this family

and I appreciate
everything you do.

But I just feel like
I'm doing everything

and I'm tired all the
time and I feel like

I'm just waiting for you
to get home constantly.

The only thing getting me
through right now is prayer.

It's not something
I feel like I can

talk to you about
even though because

without you wanting
to be a follower...

I just see without you wanting

to even be a good
dad or husband.

It gets very lonely.

I get scared and
I get overwhelmed.

Sorry, it's a lot, I know.

Are you okay?

I need a drink.

Wow.

Wow.

It's too much?

I know this week's
been hard for you.

I just, all this brings back so

many memories about my parents.

I do know that
you're an amazing...

Are you gonna get that?

I probably should.

Just go.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Quit it, I'm trying to focus.

What did I say about homework?

No!

It's cold out there.

The outside of the
house is finally done.

These are for the
Christmas tree.

Looking mighty
strong, lighting man.

Well since the
lights are ready to go

because of the miracle
hands of my sons,

it's time for the annual
Christmas tree hunt.

The great tree
adventure, kids!

Come on, you cold?

Sit down.

Babe, if you can't
get work out of

your head, I think you
should just stay here.

Read over the contract,
get everything done,

and just pray about
all of this, please?

Are you sure you
want me to stay?

I want you to stay
and clear your head.

Pray until you have a
direct answer from God.

Not a decision from
your own personal wants.

Why?

Because the way of man might
not lead to the way of God.

The way of man
might lead to death.

That's one of the verses
Uncle Matt was telling me.

Why did he tell
you that verse?

We were talking about you.

That's great to know.

Okay, I'll try.

As long as Hope doesn't
quote Matt at me again.

Talking behind my back.

I was quoting Uncle Matt
quoting the bible about you.

Fine then.

As long as Hope stops
quoting quotes from Matt

quoting the bible
talking about her father.

Okay.

What just happened?

I see you're getting
a kick out of this.

You're gonna miss
out if you don't relax.

Since you're going
to stay here, you can

get the decorations
out of the garage.

Why not.

Thanks.

I'll do it.

Are you doing okay?

I just thought dad was
going to do this with us.

He's trying.

I'll believe it when I see it.

This is the kitchen
where the family eats.

This is granny and
grandpa's area.

Hi, Hope.

Hi, grandpa.

Grandma always prays
over here and my granddad

always prays for my dad
which is really cool.

This is the living room,
where the family gathers.

Grandpa says this is
the person who helped

him get back to his
faith, Saint Joseph.

Mostly because Uncle
Matt was adopted,

and then because
my dad adopted me.

Grandpa really does
respect my dad for that.

Even though he never said
it to him, he said it to me.

Hope, you're doing
the same thing John did.

Running around with that camera

in his hand and
everything like that.

I'm surprised that
it even still works.

What are you
talking about, grandpa?

Well he used to run around
with a camera all the time.

But I watched the
tape many times.

Grandpa 2.0, everybody!

I love you.

Merry Christmas, I love you all.

You will understand.

You will understand.

There's the dad I
remember from way back when.

Is this on?

Yeah, it's on.

Okay.

Here's to a father that's always

been there for me,
even when he's at work.

You took me in, and I thank you.

I just wish you were here.

You're a great dad
and a good father.

I just wish we had more time.

I see you have
the rosary dad gave us.

Yeah.

So do I.

Jess puts it in
my pocket every day.

But you keep it around.

Why would I keep
something in my pocket

from a man I despise
every day of my life?

Maybe because
you don't despise

him as much as you think you do.

Maybe because it
stands for something

more than a father's
inability to be perfect.

I haven't been
to Mass forever.

I can always take confession.

Then start going to Mass again.

Thinking about going to
church is not the same thing.

Thinking about
being a good person

and fixing things is
not the same thing

as actually doing the
actions, you know?

We have the tree!

Who wants to get
the tree for me?

I'll do it, mom.

I haven't heard that kind of

respect from you in a long time.

It was awesome.

Caleb picked out the tree.

Me and Uncle James made a deal

that if I didn't
talk about school and

getting ahead in life, I
got to pick out the tree.

You did good
not sounding crazy

on the way to get the tree.

Yeah, he was great.

Uncle James is the best.

Yes he is.

Thanks John, I'll take that.

Should've been there, man.

Dad, did you get it done?

I think so.

What's going on with you?

What do you mean?

You're smiling.

This family's been through a
lot this week, what's going on?

Baby steps.

Good.

Good.

I'll believe it
when I see it, dad.

I deserve that.

Well come bring in the tree.

Like you'd know
anything about that.

There's too much talking
and not enough tree getting.

Now get!

How long has it
been since you prayed?

Really prayed?

I can't remember.

Probably when I took this job.

It's just consuming.

You can't really
enjoy the blades

of grass and the
fresh air until you

stop, get out of
the car, bend down,

and take a real close
hard look at it all.

Did Matt say that to you?

He said it to your father.

I haven't seen that
smile in 10 years.

I know.

And I'm sorry.

For what?

Not coming around.

Well you and your
father had some

real go at its
when you were here.

I shouldn't have
put you in the middle.

I did blame you for letting all

of that, what
happened growing up.

I'm sorry.

I'm not perfect by any means.

Do you remember the parable
about the workers in the field?

Yeah, it didn't matter
how much a person worked,

they got the same pay
at the end of the day.

Exactly.

I'm pretty sure
that worker wasn't

whipping all the
other workers though.

John, you have got to
let go of your anger.

For the sake of your own health,

for the sake of your family.

Is it just me, or am I the
only one that is mad at dad?

I couldn't even have
reconciliation with him,

couldn't even ask him
to ask for forgiveness.

Now hold your horses, son.

He asked for you to
come home the last

three Christmases
and you refused.

I was busy.

You wouldn't even
answer your phone.

On purpose.

You knew he was sick.

He knew he was sick.

You're not a knight in
shining armor yourself, son.

Why wouldn't he say anything?

How selfish.

I'm a really well connected
doctor, I could've helped him.

We could've helped him and
he could still be here.

And you would be
somewhere else working.

But you're here now
asking questions.

Why didn't he let me know?

He had a huge ego.

I agree with that.

He had to be hit with
something bigger than

his ego to see what
really mattered in life.

I'm a great doctor, mom.

Why didn't I see it coming?

I can spot so much in
so many, but not him.

Why?

Ego, Johnny boy.

You are your father's son.

No, come on.

Whether you like it or not.

Do you know that he
prayed for something

so heavy and so
earth-shattering,

so grand-moving that
you would come home?

Why would he pray for that?

I thought you didn't
believe in prayer.

Why would you ask for
something like that?

He could've been saved.

That's where you are
missing the whole point.

He was saved.

You didn't believe
in spiritual healing,

only physical healing,
but you're here now.

You're seeking now.

He prayed that I would come
home because he had d*ed.

Who in their right mind would
pray for something like that?

No, he prayed that God would
save his soul and his son's.

We don't know the
ways of God, John.

We aren't perfect, we can't be
perfect and know all things.

You aren't perfect.

Now you can be angry
at your father,

at me, at James, at
whoever you want.

You can think you're
the only victim in

the world, but God
knows better than you.

I could've saved him.

Body maybe.

Soul?

No.

You're not the great physician.

It's time your ego met
something bigger than itself.

Your family is falling apart.

You're leaving your wife behind.

It's time to step up, son.

Family is everything,
not your work.

It's called growing up and
owning up to your own actions.

Hey dad, could I talk to you?

In a few.

Take me up on a bet, Caleb.

Sure.

If you don't have
fun, you will get

the most expensive gift
I get this Christmas.

You have fun, I get your
least favorite gift, cool?

Sounds good.

Good.

You will be the decoration
director with granny.

You will also get the star
put on top of the tree.

That's a deal.

You do have a way
with kids, James.

Thanks, John.

Yeah.

You okay?

Let's just say
something's happened.

You know, this really
isn't a good deal for Caleb.

I mean if he wins, he'll get a

great gift from Santa,
a box of underwear

and socks, I get that
every single year.

That's your most
expensive present?

Are you gonna
come help decorate?

What do you need?

Grab some decorations.

If you know what those are.

Hey, go easy on
your old man, okay?

You're doing it to me now.

Doing what?

You're staring.

Sorry.

What do you want?

I was wondering.

Would you wanna go out on a
father/daughter date with me?

Really?

You too old for
that type of thing?

No, I would love to.

Okay then.

The soda fountain it is.

Good for you, John.

Good for you.

What's your dad doing?

I don't know.

You should go down
there and talk to him.

He's always busy.

I wouldn't really know how to.

When was the last time
you two talked, like really?

I don't really remember.

We're going to go play now.

Okay.

Come on, Caleb!

One sec.

Is it on?

Yes dear, it's on.

Hey.

Hey dad.

If you ever watch this, I just

want you to know
that I love you.

I wish you were
here for Christmas.

I wish you were here more.

Even with everything
that you've done,

I still love you and I still
pray for you every night.

Is it on?

Yes dear, it's on.

John, son.

I'm sorry it took an
illness to watch this video.

I want you to know that
I want your forgiveness.

There's a lot of
damage and repairs.

I won't be there to help you.

I want you to help clean it up.

I messed up a lot of things.

I started putting Saint Joseph

statues around the
house to show that he

was a great father, where
I could be a great man.

I want you to have the
Saint Joseph statues.

You didn't know my father.

He was very abusive, if
you can believe that.

He worked all the time.

I don't wanna be like him.

I wanna see my family more.

I wish I could have.

I want you to realize you don't

have to work all the time.

Think about your family.

Take them with you, that's the

only thing you can
take to Heaven.

Learn to pray.

Learn to love your wife.

Learn to love your family.

The past can explain
your pain, but it

doesn't have to
control your future.

I wondered when you were
gonna get around to seeing that.

Why didn't you
tell me about this?

He said it was a journey you

were gonna have to
take by yourself.

I didn't wanna push you.

I'm so sorry.

John, I forgave
you 10 years ago.

I'm your mother.

So that's where
you're going to work?

That's it.

Wow.

That's really close.

Yeah.

You can walk over and we
can have lunch sometime.

I really like this town.

Me too.

Really?

I thought you were trying
to run away from it.

Sometimes you run
away from something

so hard, you turn into something

that you didn't want
to to being with.

Personal experience.

Hey, lay off me
for one night okay?

Here we are.

John, is that you?

Mrs. Jan!

Wow, you're still running the
store after all these years.

I'm not that old, you jerk.

It's nice to see a young face
in here every now and then.

We don't get 'em in
here like we used to.

It's really cool in here.

Like father, like daughter.

Yup.

You gonna get a float?

Always.

I'll try one too.

Great, two root beer
floats coming right up.

It really is great
to see you, John.

You too.

It's like time stood
still in this town.

Yeah.

Jan helped us with
your adoption.

Really?

Wow.

She knew your momm.

Really?

Most of the town did.

She was a good woman.

That wreck sent this
place back a bit.

A small town feels a loss like

that more than a big town does.

I should've done
this a long time ago.

Dad, you can't
live in the past.

The present will pass you by.

If you're living in the future,

you'll never live
in the present.

That's why the present
is called a present.

It's a gift.

Because of that, we can
experience Jesus and His mercy.

Father Matt?

Uncle Matt.

Of course.

That's a really good one.

I think it's a
good thought too.

Yes it is.

Look, I will open
every door for you,

pull out every chair,
take every coat,

make eye contact, and give you

my undivided
attention from now on.

I should have done
that your entire life

with us, but I lost myself
along the way I think.

A man's ways might not be the

way of God, it
can lead to death.

A man's way isn't God's way.

Is this a Father
Matt quote-a-thon?

Because I have a few too.

Excuse me, who are you again?

Shouldn't you be
working somewhere?

Life gives you curve balls.

This was a big one.

You really are
changing aren't you?

This isn't an act?

Losing your dad does
something when you want

his attention so much
and never get it.

This week had my
number for sure.

Does work really
get in the way of things?

Yeah, it can if you let it.

Here you two go.

It's like a rabbit hole,
it keeps getting deeper.

Look at that.

It really is nice
to see you, John.

You too, Jan.

Thanks for hanging out with

me and telling me how you feel.

Of course.

We'll have to do it some more.

You're in for a treat.

I bet I can b*at you.

Is that a challenge?

Duh.

You're on.

Think you can b*at me.

I'm already halfway done.

Oh please, you
haven't even started.

Think you can b*at
me, we'll see.

The race is on.

Dad, can you tell me the story

about my uncles and granddad?

I told you that story
way too many times.

In passing.

You wanna hear it again, huh?

Why?

I just like it
because it reminds

me of how you adopted me.

Okay.

Where do I begin?

Your grandpa used
to be an amazing

businessman, but he was also a

sidewalk counselor
for the local culture

of life group in this
close-knit town here.

This was before he...

Became a drunk?

Yeah.

And...

And before he got
mad at the church for

not helping him with
everything that went wrong?

Am I telling the
story or are you?

I'm sorry, proceed.

There was a lady that
needed help, and your

grandfather helped her
by adopting her son.

He and grandma
named him Matthew.

We call him Matt.

Like the apostle.

Yeah.

As a Catholic,
families are supposed

to have natural family planning.

If you have 12 kids, you have


When you're not
able to have your

own it's like you
owe God something.

Like there's a debt.

Well Matthew was
a tax collector.

Am I telling the story still?

Sorry again.

Why Matthew?

You know all this, Hope.

I know, but I like hearing it.

They felt like
they owed God a debt,

so they gave it to
God and named him

Matthew because
they wanted to show

God they understood
it was in His hands.

So James came
and then you came.

Then we came.

Your grandma always
said that when

they found out they
were pregnant with

James there was this
huge sound of thunder.

Like God was blessing
them with joy.

And that's why
they named you John.

James and John.

In the bible they're known
as the sons of thunder.

And that's why
they named me Hope.

You are my hope, baby girl.

We took you in.

You were our first and we didn't

think we'd ever have a child.

You gave us hope in those years
where we needed it the most.

I love how you say that
God doesn't say oops.

James and John were meant
to be, and so was I.

We're a family with God.

We're the human race.

I don't think you can be a

Christian without
believing that.

Merry Christmas, dad.

Yes it is, Merry Christmas.

I thought you
said happy holidays.

Not anymore, kiddo.

Not anymore.

Man.

I sunk my own battleship.

Again.

Do you have a second?

Do you have any time yourself?

Sure.

One minute?

I came in here to talk to you.

Is it okay if I talk?

Of course.

Can you spend
more time with me?

Sure.

How will you?

With your job,
you'll never be home.

Look.

If I quit working
so much, and spent

time with you at night,
would you clam down?

You're a smart kid.

You can run circles around me.

You think so?

Don't be too excited about

being the best at
everything, okay?

Just try to be the best
you that you can be.

THat's a deal.

Can I ask a question?

Okay.

If I hugged you,
would you hug me back?

Just a hug?

That's it?

I don't remember the
last time we hugged.

Yeah.

It's a good deal, buddy.

John, I really don't
wanna do this right now.

But we need to talk.

I have held off on
you long enough, mister.

Mary, you need to hear me out.

We have talked, and I told
her she could talk to you.

Okay, but I really
need to say something.

Oh you've said enough for
the last few years, mister.

Because I am a good Catholic
wife, I know my place.

I know where I belong,
it's beside my man.

You know where you belong?

What's going on?

Do you know where
you belong, John?

It's beside your wife with
your family, before work.

Or is it always gonna be work
first before family with you?

Mary...

She's out of
control, I'm sorry.

We didn't have
Christmas presents

because we were
paying back a loan.

We told you the
money was coming.

You kept hounding us, even after

we told you the
money was coming.

I really need to...

We don't wanna make
you unhappy now, John.

Well now it's your turn.

You wanna know why bill
collectors are hounding us?

Why debt collectors
call us everyday?

No, why your family's home is in

jeopardy is because he puts you

first higher, before
the business all

the time, we always
put family first!

I think you need to...

We're repaying you back, John.

Here, Merry Christmas.

We just have to
wait for the last

of the Christmas
sales to go through.

Now you know.

Quit loitering it
over our heads.

Family comes first with
us John, and I know

now it doesn't with you,
but it does with us.

But you have your money now.

We would rather close shop
than to owe you one cent.

So there's your money, even
though you don't need it.

Is this true, James?

I don't need it.

I needed that, Mary.

Look, I've learned
this week that I've

not forgiven where
I've been forgiven.

Where much is forgiven,
much is required.

Give your kids a good Christmas.

And keep this place
in good shape.

It would've made dad proud.

Are you okay?

I've never been better.

Look, I know I need
to ask you two for

forgiveness, and there's a
lot of cleaning up to do.

Can I be the brother
I promised I would be?

You remembered.

Now I feel bad.

I needed that.

I really did.

But it was a little much.

Just a little bit?

Just a tad.

Sorry, did you want in there?

No, I was coming
to talk to you.

What about?

I wanna thank you for
all you do for our family.

Okay, thanks.

And to apologize for
not being there for

you and our children
when I had a choice.

When I could simply
choose between extra

hours at work, or be with you.

When I can take another job for

more family time
and not choose it.

I watched the Christmas tapes.

The one labeled If Dad
Cares to Watch This.

Hope's tape?

No.

No.

I had a tape titled the
same thing for my dad.

Wow.

He recorded a message
after the footage I sh*t.

He left a message for me.

Just for me.

Wow.

You've had a crazy weekend.

To say the least.

I've been holding onto something
that doesn't exist anymore.

I tried to stay
away from the kids

so I wouldn't become
abusive, and in the

obsess of staying away,
I became neglectful.

You were right.

About working too hard?

About the job in town.

I'm going to take the job.

Really?

Yeah.

Is that what you want?

I want time, I want my kids.

And I want you.

I don't know what to say.

You've placed
yourself in God for

so many years, praying
for me to come home.

I guess I'm asking if
I can come back to God,

where you've always
been, and ask

for your hand one more time.

Yes.

Of course you can.

Are you trying to give me a
heart att*ck, Doctor Harper?

Never.

Will you dance with me tonight?

Like we used to?

Yeah, like we
used to, but better.

What do you mean?

I know what I'm missing now.

What's going on with you?

I wanna be the man that loves

his wife the way she deserves.

This Christmas is
special for my family.

A few days ago, our earthly
father went to be with the Lord.

For the first time
in a long time,

my earthly Father
is dancing during

this Mass in person from above.

Some of you knew him
after he came back to God.

After he gave up
drinking, and also

when he found love
and forgiveness.

I know some of
your families have

come for the first
time in a while

to this perish, to
this candle vigil.

Some of your
families aren't able

to make it tonight, but family

is what this night is all about.

Christmas is the time for hope.

Hope came down as a child.

He was God and He was man.

He was alive and protected in

the womb by His
mother and father.

When He was born, people
didn't want him to exist.

Jesus was an inconvenience to

a very young girl, and it took

Saint Joseph and
Mary being strong

in the great face
of great mockery.

Before they were
married, Mary said yes,

thought of others
first, and said

yes to this weighted journey of

being blessed mother
of our savior.

Christ, Mass.

The worship of
Christ, which means

all living struggles
can't really match up

to what Jesus has
conquered for all of us.

Family issues should
stand no chance

to the love and
grace and loving so

much He has come
down to give us hope.

Hope.

That is how my
father remembered who he was.

Over the years, I learned
that my God can do all things.

All things can be made new,
lives can come together,

love can heal all
pains through prayer.

Only through prayer.

For my family,
Christmas is always a

time of faith, hope, and
love, no matter what.

God bless you and
Merry Christmas.

♪ Like a bird on a tree

♪ I'm just sitting here

Silver Caboose at noon.

Just like old times.

♪ From up here

♪ The world seems small

♪ We can sit together

♪ It's so beautiful

♪ You and me

♪ We're meant to be

♪ In the great outdoors

♪ Forever free

♪ Sometimes I need to go

♪ And take a step back

♪ To see the truth around you

♪ From a distance you can tell

♪ You and me

♪ We're meant to be

♪ In the great outdoors

♪ Forever free

♪ You and me

♪ We're meant to be

♪ In the great outdoors

♪ Forever free