The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride

Content Warning: This section contains discussion of abuse and child death.

SBK is Tiegan and Della’s motto. It was originally a way for Della and Tiegan to survive an abusive situation, but it is now a reminder to keep living a good life. This motif of SBK is connected to the lesson that Murray has to learn about The Importance of Human Connection. As he has aged, lost his wife and children, and watched the world change dramatically around him, Murray has lost sight of his own strength and kindness. He constantly sees the worst in people—like when he is rude to the grocery store cashier because of her facial piercings—and he believes that Chance wants to sell his old baseball memorabilia. When Murray learns to connect with people rather than just assuming the worst and pushing them away, he learns that Chance wants his old baseball glove because he remembers playing catch with his grandfather. Similarly, as he gets to know Jason, Tiegan, and their mothers, he becomes less grouchy toward other people around him.

Della and Tiegan’s relationship gives Murray a way to better understand what he is missing from his own life. The phrase SBK sticks with him after he learns its meaning.