Taya Kyle, wife of Chris Kyle, the man whose life was the inspiration for the movie American Sniper , attended the 2015 Oscars in order to represent the Oscar-nominated film, as well as her husband and all families of veterans, with a special memento.
Despite earlier misgivings, where Kyle expressed doubt at her own ability to even arrive at the Oscars, “let alone look presentable,” as she said, Taya looked stunning on the red carpet. Dressed in a simple, emerald green dress, adorned with bracelets, her dark hair done simply but becomingly, Taya Kyle gave the stars who, unlike herself, are accustomed to ball gowns and red carpet events, a run for their money.
And in her hand, an ever-present and tangible reminder of why she was at the Oscars, Taya Kyle carried her late husband’s dog tags.
Kyle said that husband Chris would be “really happy that so much healing is happening.” She said that many military families were “healing with this movie,” and that actor Bradley Cooper, who portrayed the sniper, “absolutely got it right.”
Before appearing on the red carpet and stunning people with both her beauty and courage, Taya Kyle had a moment of reflection on Facebook , where she candidly addressed the strange and difficult position she found herself in before attending the Oscars.
“So, I am always real with you. Today is no different. If I haven’t scared you with the horrific way I look rolling out of bed sleeping with my sweater and work out pants on…I am on a balcony trying to get some fresh air and taking advice of friends to just breathe.
“I have a pounding headache and woke up from intermittently sleeping and having nightmares about the evils of the world.
“And yet, I am in beautiful Southern California courtesy of Warner Brothers who have been exceptional to work with in every aspect. Turns out they are like the fairy GodMother for a regular woman who has kids, a murder trial for her beloved and dear friend and am honestly exhausted.”
As previously reported , Taya has been giving testimony during the trial of former Marine Eddie Ray Routh, who is accused of killing her husband and another veteran on a shooting range.
Yet despite the harrowing trial schedule, Taya made it clear that she felt going to the Oscars to represent her husband and other military families was important.
“I wanted to support everyone who made this movie representing real veteran families, but I didn’t think I had the energy to show up at the Oscars,let alone be presentable. So, I find myself in a surreal position…like Cinderella who scrubs the floors but has a fairy Godmother (Warner Brothers) who got me on a plane and had a dress and jewelry and even the shoes and spanx waiting for me…
“And so it is. I am here. To represent my husband, military families and the beautiful people who put more than they had to to make this movie happen. I have a red eye flight scheduled to get me back for the trial on Monday morning.”
Taya Kyle ended her thoughtful post with thanks for those who give her the strength to carry on, and a reference to Micah 6:8 , which reads, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Although American Sniper did not win best picture last night, as the Town Hall reports, it has certainly won over Americans, if not the Academy. The movie has grossed a total of $400 million since opening in January.
For more on Taya Kyle, wife of American Sniper Chris Kyle, and her heartbreaking testimony given during her husband’s murder trial, click here .