Reclaiming a moment

In the summer of 1977, I went to see a movie with at least one of my parents, probably my Dad, called "A Bridge Too Far."
It's a star-studded epic - measuring about three hours in length - which tells the story of the ill-fated Operation Market Garden during World War II. What I've read of this material from Wikipedia on Market Garden looks pretty accurate.

(Please see the above clip of the movie trailer.)
I recall very vividly not being able to remain in the theater due to stomach problems. It turns out I had appendicitis and went into the hospital for several days after an appendectomy.
I watched it again this weekend thanks to a rented DVD. I think I'd seen bits and pieces of it in the years following but as an adult with a greater understanding of the events of WWII and their impact, I could appreciate it more.
And I felt as though I could reclaim a moment of enjoyment interrupted three decades earlier by illness. I'm thankful this sort of reclamation is possible.
Also, there are lessons worth learning from Market Garden, based on my understanding of the events. (This is with no disrespect intended toward those who fought and died in the operation.)
These are:
- Develop contingency plans. Sure, sometimes putting all your eggs in one basket is a risk worth taking. But more times than not, it's best to build in at least a framework for a Plan B.
- Accurately assess the challenges ahead. Too much focus on what's to come can prevent us from taking any risk at all, but obtaining and fairly analyzing information about what we may face is worth our time to investigate.
- The ability to communicate is essential. Make sure the means of communication you plan to use functions properly in a harsh environment and send alternative means of communication just in case the first option fails.