In the 1989 movie “Steel Magnolias,” Shelby Eatenton battles Type 1 diabetes, so she and her fiancé, Jackson Latcherie, have been medically advised to avoid pregnancy and adopt children instead. Yet after marrying, Shelby becomes pregnant, much to her mother’s dismay.

Shelby’s mother, M’Lynn Eatenton, loves her family – especially her daughter. Eighteen months after their son is born, Shelby collapses. Unconscious, she is rushed to the hospital, where her organs begin shutting down. One by one, her husband, father, and brothers come in and tearfully say their goodbyes. Only M’Lynn stays, watching the monitor as her daughter’s vital signs begin slowing, holding Shelby’s hand to the bitter end.

I saw “Steel Magnolias” in theaters when it came out and cried like a baby when Shelby died. I s

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