Steel Magnolias - Shelby Tells M’Lynn She’s Pregnant

“I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special”

[@tay2944]

As a type one diabetic I’m so glad diabetes is so much more manageable now. It’s just very very expensive

[@aawelch]

I agree I am a type 2 diabetic and everything diet or sugar free is more expensive than the regular plus the supplies aren’t any better

[@tabbymoonshine5986]

I'm sorry those big pharma monsters keep your vital medicine so expensive. It's disgusting that to simply live without the risk of death you should have to pay so much.

[@raesour2806]

I’m a type 1 as well, and the medical innovations since my diagnosis in 2005 are amazing! Costly, yes. But amazing nonetheless

[@Romy---]

Correction: It's very very expensive in the USA. In my country everything gets covered.

[@tay2944]

@@Romy--- I’m a diabetic in the USA. It’s very expensive. I don’t think ppl realize how much money it actually costs especially without insurance

[@jennifersanchez282]

She just knows shelby's limitations and loves her.but shelby is a grown woman. But her decision to have a baby kills her and any mother would fight against that

[@shellrox906]

M’Lynn knows that she’s going to lose her baby while Shelby has her own. That’s so sad. I would die if I lost my girls. 😞

[@sherisellars5129]

As a mother who has lost a child, no. You would not. Stop saying that. Those of us who survive the death of our child don't love them less than you love yours. You wouldn't be given the choice.

[@batkat0]

​​@@sherisellars5129Wow. No one is saying you didn't love your kid more or less because you survived. It's not all about you. And some people don't survive losing a kid. And you certainly have a choice. People kill themselves after losing children all the time. Jfc

[@onewingangel1117]

@@sherisellars5129it’s not about how much love but how much resilience one has. Some people are absolutely more resilient than others. You can’t speak for others and how they’d process grief, as it’s different for everyone

[@paullippiello5212]

Terrific scene. Sally Field is so spot on and Julia Roberts compliments her and holds her own.

[@YJustY1]

Being a mom of a diabetic daughter, this movie crushed my heart! I understand completely what momma was feeling and it just hurts so bad!

[@heidirourke2259]

I think she's afraid for her health and the baby because she's juvenile diabetic

[@keythdanielsen9315]

Julia Roberts looks radiant throughout this movie.

[@Inga912]

I think everyone is commenting on this dynamic as if it is present day 2021. M'Lynn knew having the baby could KILL her, not just that her diabetes would be out of control.

[@Kristin2885]

When she talks about adoption being impossible with her medical record, I find that hard to believe given that her husband is a successful lawyer and well-connected. During this era, so many people were even adopting babies/kids from Eastern Europe (Romania, Ukraine etc) without issue. I knew many couples that did this. Jackson even said they'd "buy em if they had to". Clearly she's downplaying it to M'Lynn to justify her decision. I don't even think it was truly about Shelby's need to have a baby of her own - I really think she was desperate to save her marriage and felt like she somehow owed it Jackson as a wife, after he chose to marry her, despite her health issues.

[@christina12311979]

The adoption stuff was bs. They could have adopted as many children as they wanted with their means. He probably pressured her because he wanted his own child. He led her to her death just as much as Shelby led herself to hers. Sad. They had the means to even do surrogacy even back then. They were young and dumb.

[@carebear8655]

She was only 22 too. Expectations were probably different back then, but I can’t imagine wanting to adopt at that age either

[@rosemiller6388]

In real life she was 22 but her character was 25-30

[@eyeland68]

Even more heartbreaking is that this was based on a true story. I saw a special one time on the making of the movie and the true story ..so sad and so beautiful

[@MaxieJams]

False. It's based on a play.

[@maryeagle626]

@@MaxieJams the play is based on the story of the scenarist's sister.

[@meg4458]

@@MaxieJams False. Just a friendly reminder 8 months later.

[@macabre_mess]

@@meg4458 the pettiness 💀

[@squiggleworks9]

@@macabre_messit is truly *chef’s kiss* 😂

[@jayblue8318]

Two fantastic actresses absolutley shining....

[@annecohen8927]

She knew that Shelby’s diabetes could end up being uncontrollable if her daughter’s body was put into so much stress during pregnancy. But Shelby wanted to have her own child and I couldn’t blame her for her decision even if Shelby’s mother was extremely fearful of losing her only daughter to diabetic complications, like kidney failure.

[@jemmajames6719]

The desire to have babies is so strong but to put your life at risk and the babies purposely is wrong, their are children out there wanting homes and to be loved. A baby does not bring a troubled marriage together it’s the opposite. Her husband must be a horrible man.

[@jemmajames6719]

@@wintersolstice4793 To be fair it’s years since I watched the film, I was just going by the clip that seemed to suggest that all was not well within the marriage.

[@sherisellars5129]

@@wintersolstice4793 Shelby worked as a neonatal nurse.

[@jemmajames6719]

@@wintersolstice4793 So will I only when I fancy a good cry though!

[@cherylhulting1301]

@@wintersolstice4793 Shelby has a job; she's a pediatric nurse.

[@t.marieking3239]

The husband and Shelby were selfish. Knowing the health risk and Shelby ending up on dialysis and getting a transplant from her mom then dying. Her mom had a right to be upset.

[@ladennayoung2939]

No. No one truly knows the outcome of anything. Sometimes, a person can be very ill and end up living many years. Sometimes, a person can seemingly be very healthy with no issues and die abruptly. Death at the present time is a part of life, and there isn't any way around it. But you can't choose to stop living either. You would never take any risk and could end up missing out on great things. Then, you could possibly end up with a lot of fear, anger, bitterness, and regrets.

[@uofc57]

When Shelby says she thinks having a baby would “really help things”, does she mean her marriage is on the rocks, and she thinks having a baby will help that?

[@tinalee1392]

I was about to ask this same question

[@Izzy4731]

It’s mind boggling how many people think troubled relationship+baby= perfect relationship

[@macabre_mess]

it’s up to your interpretation.

[@shimoncdsgmofficial]

I think Jackson was cheating on her. In fact, she also says in a weird way that Jacksons loves go hunting for anything. Besides, the movie is based on a play that was based on a true story. When the real "Shelby" died back in the 80s, the real "Jackson" remarried 5-6 months later and when Shelby's real brother found out that their son was calling "mama" his new stepmom, he decided he couldn't allow his nephew never to know who his mama was and how incredible she was. After several months he wrote steel magnolias to exorcise his pain.

[@susansmith493]

That was her way of doing what she wanted to do. .. by blaming him.

[@itsthemaggieshow]

Such a great scene. I’ve done it twice for drama competition, once directing and once playing M’Lynn. The right balance of sassy and emotional!

[@macabre_mess]

nice! i had to play shelby in this same scene for an “acting for the camera” college class.

[@anitas5817]

Having a baby doesn’t help a bad marriage.

[@lindaoneil5085]

IKR? It just makes a bad situation worse. Women who deliberately have a baby just to save a failing marriage or relationship are beyond stupid. Do they ever, at any point, wonder: Suppose I have this baby, and he decides to leave anyway? How will I support myself and the baby? Bringing an innocent life into the world to use as a pawn is incredibly selfish. I know some women who got pregnant on purpose, in a desperate attempt to keep their husbands/boyfriends with them. None of them worked. Once a man decides to leave, that's it. Baby or no baby.

[@courtneymcrain22]

OMG, I only have one child- and she's taller than me, like Shelby is. This was a hard scene to watch. I would've said "you're MY baby!"

[@fp5495]

When scenes were acted to play out naturally, like you were a fly on the wall that's drawn into the conversation. Today, scenes are done to keep people's short attention spans from waning in sharp, quick, or overly acted ways. One thing that's waned over the years; good acting.

[@macabre_mess]

i disagree. i believe acting has improved over the years. it all depends on what media you choose to consume.

[@MakuraZalis]

​@@macabre_messI would say scripts have gotten better. Julia Robert's southern accent isn't the best.

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

Sally Field is awesome here.

[@sharonriley6574]

“I think it would help things a lot.”

[@rafaelortega854]

3:10 Hate this line. Feels like jackson was frustrated no to having children and shelby felt guilt ( not her fault of course) and thought im gonna risk my life to get him happy no matter the cost

[@alexandram1301]

Yes! It’s also incredibly telling, broke my heart for Shelby

[@briesullivan883]

Yeah, but Shelby also wanted a biological child because Jackson did suggest adoption and Shelby said no.

[@rafaelortega854]

​​@@briesullivan883 suicide then? she wanted just live 30 minutes than her lovely life

[@briesullivan883]

@@rafaelortega854 for some women the risk is worth it, even if they know it could cost them their life.

[@rafaelortega854]

​@@briesullivan883 bit she ll never gonna see her child grow up :(

[@tommyallen4683]

"Three minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special"....that line is epic...

[@dianeclark1135]

In the movie and in everyday "Real" life...a mother who is sooo scared her daughter will die- be lost to her forever!!!

[@zlatkajupe]

I had a moment like this with my ex fiancé. The job he "always wanted" which I had a feeling would be the end of us ended up causing so many problems for us and eventually killing him. I can understand M'Lynn. She handled it quite well. I was on the floor sobbing knowing it would end badly when he told me. And it did.

[@warmcozy]

I’m sorry for your loss.

[@alexandthecity87]

Am I the only one who sees the dark part of this scene especially when Shelby says "I think it would help things a lot"

[@macabre_mess]

no, that’s actually what a lot of people are saying in the comments lol

[@melissasalvatore2831]

Please elaborate!? Ty

[@andrewcolinwilson1]

I know how hard Shelby's diabetes is on M'Lynn, Drum, Tommy and Jonathan but Jackson and Jack Jr. are part of their family too.

[@alisonmccannoffline]

I absolutely love this movie. When Shelby told her mum.M'Lynn that she was pregnant!, and M'Lynn wasn't very happy at all. So the real mistake is that Shelby shouldn't have got pregnant with her little boy in the first place, and she was told by the doctors that Shelby shouldn't have children because of the risks involved, due to her Diabetes Type 1, then Shelby developes Dialysis while she had her baby son, has put too much strain on her kidneys, and then she has a kidney transplant, and then her kidney starts rejecting. So the real problem is that both Shelby & Jackson shouldn't have had a baby at all in the first place.

[@lindaoneil5085]

Agreed. Specialists and doctors had warned Shelby that she would ruin her health if she got pregnant. She allowed her emotional side to override her common sense. Her husband was inconsiderate of the risks to Shelby's health, and possibly her life, by allowing her to get pregnant, because HE wanted a son. If he truly had loved Shelby, Jackson would not have permitted her life to be endangered by a pregnancy, no matter how badly it was wanted.

[@citydweller99]

I don't think Jackson deserves all the blame... we're only hearing her side of the story. @@lindaoneil5085

[@justineves3588]

This is a great scene both of them are great in it😊❤

[@robinh6623]

This movie must be watched with an entire box of tissues.

[@thekirksiffs5285]

These two women are so beautiful!

[@vickyedmondson4997]

She knew at work that her sugar was dropping, as a diabetic, i can tell too, just like her. She should have taken care of it right then instead of putting it off. It's her fault for neglectly her own body signs.

[@clyderamirez1]

I can understand M'Lynn she just wants Shelby to be safe and sound. Every parent wants that for a child. But I also understand Shelby. Living your life in a bubble isn't life. And for everyone saying it's Jackson's fault get over yourself it takes two to tango Shelby knew what she was doing. There's no right answer here. And for those people saying it wasn't a happy marriage why is it so bad to want a child even when the odds are stacked against you even when you just want a normal life? The message of the movie is beautiful as well as terrible that life goes on.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

It’s flat out stupid to bring a child into an unstable and unhealthy relationship. It’s not about what you selfishly want, it’s about thinking of the child. Leaving your child without a mother and knowingly doing it is dumb!

[@tracystuart4266]

people are saying it's not a happy marriage, cause it's been less than a year and they're already struggling. "I think it would help things a lot" is Shelby admitting this is a band-aid baby. Not to mention that when she's dying, it's her mom, not her husband, who is by her side the entire time and who ends up raising her child.

[@amysill3815]

Thank you! People don’t understand how incredible the gift of life is because we live in a culture of death that doesn’t value children.

[@JamieAug]

@@amysill3815 what?! That doesn't make sense. People as parents are individuals and, as such, value their children in various degrees.

[@leahhart3585]

Ok hot take here Shelby is selfish in this. She wants her “own baby” so much well she got one and even though she knew it could kill her. Well her very own baby gets to grows up with no mother and no father.

[@nealwhaley63]

What recipe calls for SIX eggs?!

[@elliejones7397]

M'Lynn may of been too angry to noticed that she might've put too many eggs in the bowl.

[@sanford198]

1/10th of my breakfast. -Gaston

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Classic New York Cheesecake takes 6 eggs.

[@guriausa]

Pound cake

[@cindyvaricalli7779]

She is upset lol

[@mschenandlerbong8539]

This is such a great example of wisdom vs young naïveté. We let kids choose the most dangerous things for themselves these days. Throwing ages of wisdom out the window. And it hurts them.

[@ladennayoung2939]

You all are being a bit insensitive and unfair in the comment section. You act as if you know every possible outcome to every situation and have all of the answers. I knew this young lady who was only in her twenties and had a baby. Shortly after having a baby apparently she started having these symptoms. If my memory serves me correctly she was diagnosed with leukemia. She fought for her life as long as she could and as hard as she could but she ended up passing away. I don't even think her son was a year old yet. The young lady's sister is raising her son. So you honestly just never know and I don't think people should be judging the woman's husband based on a line from a movie and what they heard about the situation. I just think Shelby wanted to have a child of her own and that isn't unheard of. She probably felt like the diabetes wasn't going to get any better and it was worth the risk. Don't be so heartless and run off at the mouth so much okay. Only God knows. We can have open and honest dialogue about things without choosing to make assumptions, be rude, or obnoxious.

[@cherylhulting1301]

The difference between Shelby and your friend is that your friend sounds as if she was unaware of her ability to develop leukemia after her pregnancy. But Shelby knew about her condition already and that having a child could kill her. I'm diabetic and would have to think very seriously about getting pregnant and whether I would remain healthy enough to raise a child. Shelby's desire to have a child is understandable. But her mother is right - there were limits to what she could do and those needed consideration.

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Classic movie

[@JamieRobles1]

Lots of issues going on here . . . I think M'Lynn wouldn't be so worried for Shelby if, and if you remember the Salon scene, Shelby doesn't really take care of herself or ask for help when she needs it. She thinks she's alright because she appears to look fine on the surface. Even her last waking scene, she can feel that she is not good and yet she acts like she is a normal human being with no problems. Shelby likes to appear normal- even worse, she likes to ignore her limitations so that she can appear to be normal. Stuff like this, you can't ignore if you have always been sick all your life. I'm not saying that Shelby shouldn't have a baby, what I am saying is that Shelby's credibility to taking care of herself before and after baby is why her mom will not support on this, not entirely.

[@cherylhulting1301]

I'm diabetic. Trust me when I tell you that a chronic illness is very hard to live with and you only want to try to live normally. But we live every day knowing that we have an incurable disease that will lead to conditions that will eventually kill us. I would not choose to become pregnant myself but I understand Shelby's desire, as much as I question her decision. But I also get the desire to go on living life. If I got worried about every twinge my body experiences I could not leave the house. Shelby's situation is the more unfortunate because her illness becomes more advanced through having her baby. Pregnancy deeply affects a healthy woman's body, let alone that of a woman with diabetes.

[@kerrycavanaugh4268]

I always wondered what shelby meant with that "it would help a lot" in regards of having a baby. Is she talking about her and Jackson's marriage?

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

This Classic

[@shelboayres2029]

Fun fact I was named after shelby

[@shelbydavis8030]

I was too! 😊

[@aawelch]

I love this movie 🍿🎥

[@74Spirit1]

There was more than just diabetes. Shelby also had CKD(Chronic Kidney Disease).

[@chrissiepdx]

Wow, "we even thought about buying one" "people do it all the time" -- buying a baby? Although, private newborn adoption is extremely expensive for adoptive parents, a multi billion dollar industry, unregulated, and dependent upon vulnerable women in a crisis to produce babies, so ...

[@ryerye6587]

Maybe you need to put the conversation in context. They are not really reporters of facts

[@cherylhulting1301]

Thank you for being one of the few people to talk about the reality of surrogacy. There are a disconcerting number of people here who don't seem familiar with the many critiques of the industry.

[@alexfernandohuenten1374]

Awesome

[@user-uj1qq9wz1i]

The movie steel magnolias in 1989 it has 6 women like Sally field - dolly parton - Shirley McClain - darryl Hannah - Olympia Dukakis and julia Roberts. This scene when shelby had diabetes when she is having a baby her mama is not happy about this she walks away from anger it is and Shelby cry

[@alexisgreen-hernandez8604]

I love ❤ this movie 🎬 Julia Robert's does an excellent job playing Sheby. I have been in Sheby situation. I think she just wanted a normal life but that is hard with that condition 😔 and I think 🤔 💭 Sheby really wanted to have children and become a mother. 👩 👩‍🍼 🌹 💐

[@periodicnostalgia]

Na bc she was risking her health to have a child to save their marriage because Jackson had a wondering eye.

[@patriottroll1764]

He had a wondering eye?

[@macabre_mess]

@@patriottroll1764 there’s implications that jackson was not entirely faithful to shelby leading up to this point. hence her words “i think it would help things a lot”

[@crpeoplemover]

That's so interesting... I've never took that line to mean that Jackson was cheating, and I really don't think that's what they were trying to imply. It would seem out of character for the Shelby character to tolerate flagrant cheating, based on the interactions they had earlier in the film. Also, I would think that they would have given M'lynn an even stronger reaction if that was what they were trying to say. I always understood it as: Jackson really wants to have kids, so there is an unspoken (or probably spoken) pressure from Jackson for Shelby to ignore doctors and have a baby. She knows long term that not being able to have a baby will deteriorate their relationship long term, and is probably already straining it. I'm sure this sadly feeds into an insecurities most women who can't have children suffer from. This reason is reaffirmed in the later line when Shelby says, "no one will even be inconvenienced" and M'lynn says "Least of all Jackson, I'm sure!"

[@mazzaf7575]

@@crpeoplemover I agree, I think it’s the suggestion that the marriage is in trouble. Jackson is an immature man whose desire for a child is more important than his wife’s life.

[@periodicnostalgia]

@@crpeoplemover Oh wow. Also love how you took the time to explain bc I love this movie. This is such a good observation that maybe it's more Jackson's pressure for her to try getting pregnant anyways, especially when M'Lynn says "Does he listen? I know you don't, but does her?"

[@mellttabor2134]

NO WAY! I’m so mad at Shelby! You want a baby so bad you destroy your kidneys… ok women put their lives on the line to have babies. Your mom gives you a kidney!!! NOW QUIT YOUR JOB FOR A WHILE!!! HIRE A HOUSE KEEPER!!!!! She pushed her body so hard for so long!!! OF COURSE SHE DIED!!!! “ IM SO ANGRY FOR SALLY, I just want to hit somebody till they feel as bad as she does….. THE DEAD DAUGHTER COMES TO MIND”

[@jessicalafountain8090]

Shelby last line hits me hard. I'm not a diabetic, but I'm not able to produce kids since I had my ovaries taken out. 😢😢😢

[@bubbylee5648]

So Sad 😭

[@crystalcorker5476]

I don't blame the husband. I blame Shelby. She knew she would be at high risk with her medical condition so she should have known better not to get pregnant . I'm sorry she could not adopt but she only made things worse for herself and the child. This is shelves fault.

[@ST-rj8iu]

In the scene she state "it will help things a lot". The marriage was in trouble. That to me was the insinuation. She was trying to not be divorced and to save the marriage. Remember this is a different time. Women did not get divorced. Jackson was too immature to understand her health problems. Julia Roberts is 21 when this was filmed. Her character is twisting herself into a pretzel to be Jackson's dream girl.

[@crimsoneyes419]

@@ST-rj8iuthat’s a little far fetched. The story doesn’t go into too much about Jackson’s thoughts except what is being told to the viewers by Shelby. He told her to adopt. Shelby wants the baby. Mother said she thought he would lose his chances to have kids. So she thought she would help him by giving him an opportunity with someone else because she can’t bare his children. When she says it will help things a lot I thought she meant between her and her mother’s relationship. To bring them closer together. That’s what I gathered anyways. I blame Jackson for allowing it, and Shelby for being stubborn. I was frustrated by this scene just like her mother was that she could not listen to reason.

[@sharonaustin4476]

For a lawyer yeah right I know I can't though and my mom is also over protective of me like that as well

[@christycapers4715]

A July baby, it’s not the diabetes that would kill her it’s stress 💃🏾

[@lethabrooks9112]

Its sad that Surrogacy wasnt available during that time or at least surrogacy wasnt as advanced as it is now days or she and her husband couldve gone that route.

[@izzaMairepeacejb]

0:44 I'm Pregnant 0:48 Congratulations Shelby

[@macabre_mess]

hahaha more like 1:08 for the second timestamp

[@lindaoneil5085]

0:44 I'm Pregnant 0:48 My sympathies, Shelby

[@emmanueljohnson589]

I’m sorry but it was the husband’s fault she died, he knew the risk of her having a baby and he carelessly agreed

[@indiesunflowers]

half the husband and half shelby. super selfish people. I love this movie but it's hard to root for shelby & the husband because they're so dumb lol.

[@torimig2151]

I agree

[@briesullivan883]

It was her choice.

[@shawannawhite3288]

How's it the husband fault she wanted too get pregnant.....

[@jocec820]

@@shawannawhite3288 if you look at Shelby's face she says "I think it would help things alot." Which can imply her and Jackson are having arguments over having a baby. She even tells him before the wedding that she can't safely carry a baby. Even tries to call off the wedding over it because she is afraid he will be giving up his chance to have children.she flat out tells him. He keeps pressuring her into everything. Pressures her into a date by pestering her. Pressures her into marriage with the promise that they can adopt or "buy em if they have too". As a lawyer he should have asked an adoption lawyer of that was possible before making promises. Also, if you do the math they got married around Easter and Shelby has a baby the next July. So around April to October is when they are trying to adopt. They were only married for 7 months before Shelby felt pressured into having a baby. Shelby is an adult that made the decision ultimately, but let's not act like that jerk Jackson made it easy on her when she wouldn't have a baby.

[@s_shaddows.4939]

Jackson done this. She told him and told him what could happen and the sickest thing is you know he got with another woman and probably had more kids. Plus shelbys son. It's sad... yes she wanted the baby. But the adoption process is also screwed up.

[@JanXD91]

Ive never seen the play but I have wondered, was Jackson a terrible husband? Was Shelby only wanting a baby to please Jackson? In terms of the film, I never picked up that he was. I always assumed this was what Shelby always wanted and she was never pressured into getting pregnant. I could see that M’Lynn assumed this was to please Jackson but I never saw enough of his relationship with Shelby to tell if he was pressuring her.

[@macabre_mess]

it’s been a few years since i’ve read the play and watched the movie, but i don’t ever recall his opinions on it being shown.

[@tracystuart4266]

I think we're mostly meant to see that Jackson never fully grasps the gravity of Shelby's situation. She tries to call off their wedding when she realizes she can't have children, but he tells her it doesn't matter. Then when M'Lynn tries to talk to him about it at the wedding, he kind of brushes her off. Overall, I do think it's Shelby's decision, but I also think she feels she's going to lose her husband if she doesn't ("I think it would help things a lot"). And then, in the end, he gives up custody of Jack Jr. to M'Lynn and Drum. He's weak. Probably eventually finds a new wife using his tragically beautiful dead wife story and has kids with her and sees his oldest son a few times a year.

[@briesullivan883]

I don’t think so. Shelby said that she wanted a biological baby of her own and said that Jackson said that they could buy as many babies as they wanted. However, I do think that the issue put a strain on the marriage. That said, I don’t think that makes Jackson a bad husband.

[@briesullivan883]

@@tracystuart4266 wait how do we know that he gives up custody of the kid?

[@annieoddo1475]

To say it was his fault is a disgusting assumption to make. She specifically said that she wanted to be a mother more than anything and was willing to take that risk. Perhaps it would be selfish for a husband to say no to having kids after his wife has made an assertion like that? More importantly though these assumptions are all deeply rooted in misogyny. It’s ultimately up to the woman whether she wants to bear children or not, and Shelby made her choice very clear.

[@blauvelt216]

The “blame game” is completely inappropriate. Tragedies occur and the natural order of reaction is sadness, then blame. Blame is a way to rationalize, but some things need no rationalization. Death is irrational, and we need to own that fact instead of placing blame.

[@emmastraub6842]

I always wondered what Shelby meant when she said I think it would help things a lot can someone please tell me

[@macabre_mess]

i see this question a lot and i believe it’s up to your interpretation, especially because the movie doesn’t explicitly explain what she means by that statement. many people think shelby means she thinks having a baby would help her marriage with jackson be happy and fulfilled. another take i’ve heard is shelby might mean it would help *her* personally feel happy and fulfilled because it’s so important and meaningful to her to have a baby of her own, even if it further complicates her health.

[@mellttabor2134]

I think it meant that Shelby really wanted a baby. Her own baby. She felt like she was cheating her husband of a real life. She said it before they got married. It’s why she didn’t want to get married. Her guilt was killing her and that would cause problems even if Jackson said “ it’s ok Shelby we don’t need to have a kid”. She got pregnant for herself so she could feel like Jackson wasn’t losing out on a real life. She was happy to risk her life!!!! The only thing that kills me is she got the baby and she got her moms kidney. Why not stop working and hire some help around the house while her body heals!!!!??? NO 4 months after getting a kidney she’s work “ on her feet long hours”, cooking, cleaning, and child care. IGNORED the dizziness and collapsedWITH THE BABY THERE AND NO HELP. So angry at her.

[@cherylhulting1301]

@@macabre_mess Actually Shelby makes this statement very close to her saying that Jackson "likes to hunt ANYTHING." Then Shelby, without quite looking her mother in the face waxes on about how excited Jackson is about the pregnancy and about his dreams of a son, as if to downplay the implication that Jackson isn't faithful. (Nancy earlier on also babbles on about Jackson being a heavily hung man at their wedding reception.) In the conversation Shelby then says "I think it would help." The implication is that Jackson is cheating and this is an effort to save the marriage. We watch M'Lynn as realization dawns on her face and she says "I see." It's incredibly painful fir her to realize her daughter may also be risking her life in a rather desperate attempt to save her marriage. That realization in part makes her have to walk away from Shelby. The fact that the real life Jackson remarried within five months and decreased the family's contact with the baby is also rather telling.

[@lookitzmiikeyy]

I'm confused as to what Shelby meant when she says I think it would help things a lot both were silent then her mom saying I see did she mean her and Jackson weren't doing good?

[@macabre_mess]

it’s ambiguous, but yes, your assertion is one of the popular theories.

[@ST-rj8iu]

That is how I took it. Julia Roberts is 21 in this movie. Very young and people did not get divorced. Jackson wanted a baby and that was the deal.

[@meg2861]

I’m sorry. But if my daughter looked at me and begged please like that there’s not much I wouldn’t say no too. Of course I’d be scared out of my mind but in the end that’s my daughter.

[@MsMollah]

Surrogacy was around back then too. With a lot of money there would have been so many options.

[@michelletodd4893]

She says " it would help thing"

[@deborahelizabeth3788]

Such a good portrayal of what it’s like to be a parent of a child/adult with disabilities. I can’t imagine being in M’Lynn’s position-having to watch her daughter never be able to live the normal life she always wanted, all due to health complications.

[@majatadic549]

I think Shelby made a good decision after all 😢. Her mother lost her but she got a healthy grandson. Shelby would have died anyway. But something left of her. She continues to live through her son.

[@JamieRobles1]

WOW. How morbid are you?? 'The female was trash and disposable, now you have a healthy male to take her place.' That's disturbing.

[@ladennayoung2939]

Yes. I agree.

[@angelabowman1614]

That funeral graveside scene.....Sally Fields should have gotten an Oscar for that scene alone. She made it look so Real.....her emotions and her breaking down. I was so sad that she died....she only had a short time with her son. No parent should lose a child.....at any age! Her "I'd rather have 30 minutes of wonderful over a lifetime of mediocre"... A Very sad movie...... It was interesting to watch Anell's transformations.....from shy and timid, to wild and outgoing, to plain and religious.....to something in between. And naming her Baby "Shelby" whether it was a boy or girl was Sweet...... honoring Shelby's memory. And I agree..... Shelby knew the risk and she just wanted to experience Pregnancy and Motherhood. And if she could have adopted a baby she would have. But, if her marriage was faltering, it's understandable that she would want to have her Own baby. Great movie....I cried like a baby when she died!

[@dawnjustice6516]

I have seizures and I had a healthy baby boy

[@barbier5488]

Now rewatching this an adult I wonder if shelby was having problems in her marriage. When she says “I think it will help things a lot” had me like 🤔.

[@maryrutherford8311]

How sad

[@crystalcorker5476]

I love my mom God rest her soul. But I didn't listen to her much cause she thought that she knew more than anyone and she thought that she could overwhelmed everyone by telling people she k ew all the hours and didn't. Most moms try to be a positive influence and supporter for their children but not mine. My mom was very negative she had negativity on everything that I did. If I didn't dress do my hair ir make up and look the way she wanted me to look to make her happy she would get mad. She always critiqued me and controlled me all in negative direction.

[@rachaelramos]

Cant believe she didnt think about serrogacy

[@user-yh2lf4bu9j]

So proud of Shelby her character could teach you idiotic women today the art of true love for a Child!!!

[@hopemariewrites6136]

Anybody know what M’lynn was making with all those eggs? It’s bothered me for years!

[@spunkyspano]

Maybe egg nog?

[@melissasalvatore2831]

😂 suger cookies , or just A mess.

[@Colewilliams39]

Lost 2 babies and then having My Sawyer on 8/ 13/2013 he's 10 now then I was told no kids u can die with my brain aneurysm dissection, but then I had Jake 12/ 25 /2018 he's my Christmas baby he was so early but a pain in my butt lol. But knowing I can die suck assss I KNOW GOD HAS A PLAIN FOR ME

[@jacquelineadams8363]

Shelby should have tried surrogacy. She would have lived if someone else carried her baby. The risks were just too great. Maybe that alternative wasn't available.

[@Thisisnotatest257]

Jackson was also a womanizer and Shelby thought that having a baby would help their marriage.

[@psychedelicvibes32]

If Shelby really wanted a baby of her own she could of done surrogacy

[@marykatherinegoode2773]

Not in the late 1980s. It was unheard of back then.

[@ST-rj8iu]

OMG. you are such a Gen Z. No honey.

[@RTCPhotoWork]

​@@marykatherinegoode2773😂 Surrogacy has been around for ages. It wasn't as commonplace in the US in the 80s as it is now, but it was out there. They literally talked about BUYING a baby in this scene, and surrogacy is unbelievable?

[@JamieRobles1]

@@RTCPhotoWork you had to be super rich to do that in the eighties, plus there were some legal battles that happened back then that it became national news. It was a messy situation, and this marriage was already strained, so it would have made things much worse.

[@cfinley81]

​@RTCPhotoWork I don't think folks in 80's Louisiana would even know how to comprehend that method.

[@tmmaston]

Shelby could have also looked into surrogacy and have another woman like a close friend carry the baby for her. Even though its 1989, I'm sure there were ways to go about it then. Surrogacy wouldn't have put as much of a strain on her body.

[@Satanna.avemaria]

So why couldn’t she adopt? Because he didn’t want to? 🙄 I feel like she was pressured into this and it always felt wrong.

[@daschalee1008]

😊

[@thomasdewitt5705]

Just letting you know this might be a copy right showing this you could get sued. Just saying.

[@macabre_mess]

i’ve had it up for a long time. at the most, youtube would just take it down before it escalates that far.

[@thomasdewitt5705]

Ok. I love the movie I don't want you to get in trouble. Being in the industry in the past there's things you can't do like read a book or play music or clips of movies you can't make money on things your names not on copy right infringements.

[@ericmartin9569]

What was her health concern besides diabetes?

[@anjelica948]

Shelby had Type 1 diabetes (caused by genetics rather than poor diet/lack of exercise). Being pregnant puts a lot of strain on a woman’s body even when the woman is completely healthy, but with Shelby being a Type 1, she already has several organs that are absolutely essential to life that are weak, including her pancreas and her kidneys. Because she can’t process blood sugar correctly, its very easy for her to lose blood pressure and suffer brain death, because there’s not enough blood going to the brain + even if she had enough blood pressure, her blood wouldn’t have the essential sugar that the brain needs to fuel itself. One of my cousins had Type 1 diabetes, and just like Shelby, she really, really wanted to have a baby. So the doctors told her “the sooner you have a baby, the better, and don’t have more than one.” So she got pregnant when she was 15. Most everybody in the family thought she was crazy for doing that, but it turned out to be the best thing, because she had the baby, and very slowly over time her body was able to recover from the tremendous strain (plus medicine has improved since this film was made). But she can’t have any more children, or what happened to Shelby is liable to happen to her.

[@ericmartin9569]

@@anjelica948 wow 😲 😢 that's very serious. Thank you for explaining it clearly.

[@cherylhulting1301]

Diabetes is a serious systemic disease affecting multiple organs in the body. Women who have it are generally advised to consider pregnancy very carefully.

[@ericmartin9569]

@@cherylhulting1301 thank you

[@crittaable]

How many eggs is she gonna break?!

[@normariccobene6932]

The husband was very selfish he was a lawyer he could help adopt a child

[@gi7867]

Esse filme mostra o quanto é difícil ser mãe! E eu não estou falando da garota grávida

[@dawnjustice6516]

Women with diabetes have healthy babies

[@ladennayoung2939]

I understand what Shelby means. I don't think she was being selfish or pressured to have a baby by her husband. Her mother mentioned in the beauty shop that she was upset because the doctor told her to not have children due to her health. But in all honesty only God knows all things. Doctors aren't always right. You can respect their advice but God has the final say. Everyones outcoke isn't always the same and you would be afraid for the rest of your life to do anything if you always focused solely on the possible negative outcome of the situation.

[@lemonhead162]

That fake Southern accent Julia Roberts did is atrocious! Yeah, I know she was born in Georgia, but nobody talks like she does with the dropped Rs in Louisiana! I should know as a native!

[@robinmixon6999]

Sad thing is nowadays if Shelby decided she could NOT have the baby - living in a Southern state - she probably would not be able to get an abortion.

[@MsAppeljack]

They still do abortions down here, good lord.

[@cherylhulting1301]

True that. In those states a woman's life is cheap. It's the clearest patriarchal statement that the only thing women are "good for" is procreating.

[@UCanHaveHim]

Selfish!!!!

[@amycollins2429]

Why not have an abortion? Or in this case it was illegal back then.

[@RTCPhotoWork]

She wanted to be pregnant. Why would she abort if she didn't want to?

[@elbrown1011]

Cant stand this movie and the bad overdone accents and overdrawn characters.

[@isabelbeckerman1262]

M'Lynn is intrusive, who dictates and takes control of her daughter's life's decisions. Even M'Lynn couldn't accept Shelby is pregnant and can't understand her daughter only wants to be happy in having a child for her own, despite the possible dangerous effects due to the severity of her diabetes. Be happy for her, M'Lynn. All will be well for Shelby during her moment of birth for your first grandchild.

[@macabre_mess]

she didn’t dictate anything for shelby but you definitely can’t blame m’lynn for her lack of enthusiasm about the situation.

[@hilaryc3203]

The mother character is not intrusive. She wants her child to live as long as possible. Clearly you have no idea what a person with a deteriorating kidney goes through; what it does to a body and a lifespan. This is a family friendly movie and doesn't show the reality. The reality is horrific. The dangerous side effects are not "possible", they're a given. In this scene, she just had her daughter's death shoved in her face.

[@ruadhrose]

Her first priority will always be to HER child. I agreed with you until I had children and now I get why M’Lynn reacted like she did. Your first and strongest instinct is to protect your child with all your ability. Shelby’s doctors had strongly warned her that having a child was extremely dangerous for her to do. That getting pregnant could potentially be a fatal outcome for her. And she completely disregarded them and did it anyway. M’Lynn can only see the possible negative result of this choice because her protective instincts and overwhelming fear of possibly losing her child (which ultimately happens) outweighed any positives of the situation at that time that Shelby told her.

[@isabelbeckerman1262]

@@ruadhrose It's incredible women are reacting intensively regarding the disagreement between M'Lynn and Shelby over a baby Shelby desperately wants to have, and it's taking place in "a movie". Jeez.

[@ruadhrose]

@@isabelbeckerman1262 You literally started the thread by calling M’Lynn intrusive and now you’re pissy because other people are commenting and disagreeing with you over a movie. Don’t want disagreement then don’t start the thread. H/T this was based on a real life situation. The author of the play wrote about his sister’s real struggle to have a child as a diabetic and how she died after her kidneys gave out. So yeah it’s movie but it’s themes are based on real life scenarios. Especially the dynamic between a mother and her child.

[@CorvetteStingray1969]

I think the best thing in this situation is not to have a baby but buy a Corvette instead… Then you don’t have to change diapers

[@Nope5755]

I love Julia Roberts