“You’re The Quarterback, Aren’t You?”

Most of us have met someone for the very first time and recognized an instant connection. Perhaps, it felt like you’d known the other person for a long time, even though it was only minutes. These specific aligning of souls often morph into friendships, while others have a more romantic flair.

I was reminded of these destined relationships during a recent re-watch of the 1978 comedy, “Heaven Can Wait,” starring Warren Beatty as a clarinet playing professional football player. Spiked with laughs (co-star Dyan Cannon is hilarious), the film also has a spiritual vibe about souls in the afterlife.

When the movie opens, Beatty’s character is being groomed to be the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams. An untimely accident ends that shot and sends him to heaven. However, there’s a mistake; it wasn’t his time to go! So, his soul is sent back into another physical body – a billionaire tycoon – to assume another identity.

In this new life, Beatty’s character still wants to play football, so he buys the Rams (after all, he’s got the money!) and trains to fulfill his dream. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman played by Julie Christie. Then, comes another glitch: he must now give up that body just days before he’s supposed to play quarterback in the Super Bowl!

Before leaving the rich guy’s body, he stares into the eyes of Julie Christie and says he doesn’t want to forget her face. And, then adds, “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Without going into deep detail, Beatty immediately tackles yet another persona that gets him into a winning football jersey and, yes, reunites him with Christie’s character. A deja’ vu moment happens, when Beatty repeats the memorable line: “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Surprised, Christie looks directly at him and then realizes the soul behind his eyes. “You’re the quarterback, aren’t you?”

Call it fate or call it destiny. Sometimes, you just know you’re supposed to meet a certain person.

Love and light,

Tony