Anyone who has seen the movie Tombstone knows that it is full of great quotes and one liners, but it is also full of life lessons. Even though my Mom and Scott can quote the movie word for word, I never saw it until this past year. A scene from the movie is also a huge part of every pregame for OSU football. This being said, I was determined to see what all the hype was about for this movie so I sat down with friends one day to watch it. Now I have seen it probably half a dozen times (I know it’s not that many times but hey) and it is one of my favorite movies. As I watched the movie recently, I decided to write a post about all the life lessons I found while watching the movie. So without further introduction, here is my list of 5 life lessons learned from Tombstone!
5. Live life to the fullest like Josephine Marcus.
During a scene in the movie Josephine is speaking to Wyatt about her version of heaven or paradise. When he asked her what heaven is to her she simply replied “room service”. She goes on to say that she wants to travel, not look back, and “just have fun, forever”. This hit me later than all the other lessons in the movie. At first I didn’t really think about it being a lesson but for me it is. I want to live my life in a way that I have no regrets later in life. I want to see new places and meet new people everywhere I go, just like Josephine. Some people may not want to travel all around in their lifetime but we should all try and live our lives in a way that makes us truly happy.
4. Stand up for what you believe in like Virgil Earp.
Virgil is the first Earp brother to finally give in and become a Marshal in the movie even though his brothers were reluctant about it. He was the first to say enough is enough and do something about the crime in Tombstone. When he told Wyatt about his decision he was criticized for it and was basically called a fool by his brother. This stood out to me because we all have come across a time in our lives where we are the first to stand up for something when our friends (or family) aren’t. We cannot be afraid to do this though. Sometimes we need to be like Virgil and be the one to help others in need, no matter what the circumstances are. Virgil inspired me in this aspect because he stood up to his family and fought for something that he thought was important, and that’s not easy to do. Because of his decision and dedication, the other Earp men followed his lead and became Marshals as well. It only takes one spark to start a fire and Virgil was that spark for Tombstone.
3. Have a faith in something bigger than yourself like Morgan Earp.
When I say “something bigger than yourself” I mean to have a faith in God. Morgan was the more spiritual Earp brother in this movie. He talked about dying a few times in the movie and the myths about dying, but one quote really stuck out to me.
“Look at all the stars. You look up and you think, “God made all this and He remembered to make a little speck like me.” It’s kind of flattering, really.”
This quote is amazing because I have never thought about this before. I always thanked God for the life that He gave me and I knew that I was His creation but I never thought about it in this way before. Even on our worst days, we are still God’s most precious creation. So, if you are ever feeling unworthy or insignificant, just think about this quote and thank God for thinking of you.
2. Stay loyal to your family like Wyatt Earp.
All the brothers are loyal to one another in the movie but Wyatt’s loyalty stood out the most for me in the movie. After he joined his brothers in bringing law back to Tombstone, he made it his mission to also keep them safe while doing so. The night that both brothers were shot, Virgil losing the ability to use one arm and Morgan dying, Wyatt’s mission changed. He was determined to get back at all those responsible for his brothers shootings and wouldn’t stop until he succeeded. I think we should all care for our families this way, maybe not go out on a revenge spree, but care enough that we will do whatever it takes to make sure our family is safe and cared for. We also need to make sure that our family knows that we love them. Wyatt wanting revenge showed how much he loved and cared for his brothers.
1.Find a friend (or be a friend) like Doc Holliday.
I just want to point out that even though the movie is supposed to be all about Wyatt my favorite character is Doc. He is the perfect comedic relief and full of great one liners. But that’s not why I put him at the top of the list. I put his life lesson at number one because he is such a good example of being the best type of friend anyone can have. Doc and Wyatt’s friendship is something that I want in life. They are loyal and honest and balance each other out well. When Wyatt is off on his cowboy revenge spree, Doc Holliday is right there beside him every step of the way. In fact there is a quote that pretty much sums up what I’m trying to say in this paragraph.
Turkey Creek Jack Johnson: Doc, you oughta be in bed, what the hell you doin this for anyway? Doc Holliday: Wyatt Earp is my friend. Turkey Creek Jack Johnson: Hell, I got lots of friends. Doc Holliday: I don’t.
