Sunshine Cleaning is a simple movie about the life of two sisters, Rose and Norah who dismal lives do not turn out the way they hoped for, and having to cope with the sudden loss of their mother.

Rose is a single mum, working to bring up her son. It isn't easy - trying to be a good role model, a responsible parent, earning income to survive while finding people to mind her child for her when she's away.

And there was a scene where they had a reunion of college friends. This is usually a warm affair, except that ever so often people start comparing how they have fared since graduation :(

Rose bravely shared about her crime scene cleaning company (which she calls "bio-hazard"), but alleges that she found it meaningful work to be able to help people who have just had a loss. This sense of purpose was mostly fabrication. But... listening deeper, all she was asking for was just something fundamental - some dignity, respect, pride, please.

As I watched, I asked myself - what is the strength of her heart that enables her to go on? It is love. She loves her family, her sister, her son, her father. For me, this settles it. Some live chasing transcient dreams of honor, glory, wealth or power. Challenging peaks, climbing corporate ladders, gold medals. Others (myself included) just yearn for a simpler alternative - to be accepted, to love and be loved.