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"Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff –

they comfort me..."

– Psalm 23:4

I went to see the movie "50/50" with a dear friend. I often write about illness, dying and facing the reality of mortality, so I don't think it came as a surprise to her that I would want to go. As a professor of film, I knew she'd go see a movie, any movie, but I wanted her to go as my friend, as someone who challenges and encourages me, who would companion me with laughter and tears through the valley of the shadow of death when that time comes. If you have a dear friend, you definitely should see "50/50" with her or him.

At the heart of the movie lies the previous verse from Psalm 23. Although not specifically religious or spiritual, the movie's narrative arc follows this verse with great poignancy.