Biggest of Fishes

Last night, I popped in Tim Burton's Big Fish. And like each time before, I was caught up in the story and, by the end, was completely moved. I went to bed with that fuzzy, floating feeling that comes from being inspired. It's just one of those films that deserves to be watched over and over if only just so you can experience all those little intricacies again-that life is what you make it. Giants can be good and dreams can be accomplished with ambition and love of life.



Today, I awoke and read in the paper that Matthew McGrory, the gentle giant of the film, passed away at the age of 32. I can't find anything on the internet about how he passed away. But, I did find these things out about his life. He was 7' 6'' and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for world's largest feet (size 29 1/2). He was raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania and attended law school at Widener University. The Guinness nod in 1992 and, since then, he warmly embraced all that came his way. On his website, although it hasn't been updated in a while, you can feel how content and excited he was with what life's given him.

The Big Fish Website has this to say of him:
"Matthew McGrory is a talent who towers above the rest. His intimidating first impression is quickly dissolved upon speaking to this soft spoken individual whose heart is as distinct as his presence..."
"Being the youngest of 4 children, Matthew's parents and siblings continue to be the inspiration and motivation for his talents and continued success. They never let Matthew get away with feeling sorry for himself due to some of his physical limitations. Instead, they encouraged and supported all of Matthew's artistic abilities. To this end, Matthew often enjoys giving back to his community through speaking at schools and children's hospitals. He encourages diversity and the idea that one can achieve whatever one sets their mind to."