Oh, you're asking the big question, Scott. In her mind it's not ironic. It's simply what she believes; she'll be somewhere else, presumably heaven, and she will miss her son when she's there. And since she starts by saying quite bluntly “I'm dying, Forrest.” she is not treating him like a child. If this was for Forrest's benefit, to make it easier on him, she would have expressed herself differently.

By saying “I was destined to be your mama. I did the best that I could.” “You have to do the best with what God gave you.” she's expressing a few things; it must have been a challenge raising Forrest, but she's proud of how she did it and how he turned out in spite of him being “different.” She's also saying that in someone else's hands, he might not have turned out so good.

It's interesting how she somewhat contradicts herself by first saying “I was destined to be your mama.” and then she says “I happen to believe you make your own destiny.”

And with Forrest's concern about the future “What's my destiny, Mama?” comes the life lesson “You're gonna have to figure that out for yourself. Life is a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you're gonna get.”

That applies to Forrest as in 'You're on your own now, I won't be here to help you.', but she's also talking about her own experience, how she was given Forrest and did what she had to do to make sure he had a good upbringing.

This is the moment when a mother lets go of her child. You're a parent until you die. Even though Forrest has been on his own for years and lived an adventurous life he has always had his mother there to support him. Now she lets him go, and she's at peace with it.

While we're at it, I'll throw in this scene from Forrest Gump as well:

http://movieclips.com/eyji-forrest-gump-movie-run-forrest-run/

Seldom has the theme of a film been captured so beautifully in one single scene. In my opinion, those few seconds of slow motion ranks among some of the greatest shots ever.

It's funny. @GeenRowzeeJr tweeted two responses to when I posted this there today:

"Ever think that people on their death beds might be scared or hurting or uncertain and not really concerned about our angst?"

"Just once I'd like to see 'What's my destiny, momma?' and hear 'Destiny? Destiny?! I'm DYING here!'"

And while funny, I think it points out, as you have, too, Teddy, a dynamic that is clearly in play in this scene and evidenced in Mrs. Gump's dialogue: Contentedness.

She struggled mightily in raising her son, refusing to consider him to be anything other than normal when -- as your "Run Forrest run" clips shows -- others saw young Forrest as abnormal (except Jenny). And in the end, Forrest has turned out to be a remarkable young man.

It's that backdrop that allows her to be so matter of fact, as you note, not having to treat him like a child. He may be "stupid," but through all his worldly experiences, Forrest has gained some deep wisdom. And for all that, I think Mrs. Gump feels content.

Of course, the obvious meaning of the "box of chocolates" line is tied to Forrest himself: Born mentally challenged and stricken by polio, one could have easily predicted his life to be largely 'negative.' But like a chocolate from a box, what was inside Forrest turns out to be a surprise to everyone he meets.

Re the Run Forrest Run scene: I love that look on the boy's face just after his braces have fallen away. Don't know how many takes Zemeckis shot, but that was a classic look of wonder and rapture helping to make the scene sing.

Yeah, we're all supposed to die with dignity so we don't see many scenes where fear of death is expressed so directly.

One could argue that the entire The Seventh Seal is a death bed scene, no?

In that film there's a scene where Raval the thief catches up with the entourage and reveals he has the plague. He begs for some water but no one dares to approach him.

Here's the scene:

RAVAL: I'm afraid of death.

No one answers. There is complete silence. RAVAL gasps heavily for air. The dry leaves rustle with his movements.

RAVAL: I don't want to die! I don't want to!

No one answers. RAVAL'S face appears suddenly at the base of the tree. His eyes bulge wildly and his mouth is ringed with foam.

RAVAL: Can't you have pity on me? Help me! At least talk to me.

No one answers. The trees sigh. RAVAL begins to cry.

RAVAL: I am going to die. I. I. I! What will happen to me! Can no one console me? Haven't you any compassion? Can't you see that I ...

His words are choked off by a gurgling sound. He disappears in the darkness behind the fallen tree.


Whew... no dignity there. Sure, he's getting his just deserts, but it's still heartbreaking to watch.