Sunday, March 11, 2012

Like the Lorax

Last night our family went to a movie together. We have taken Christopher to a number of movies in the past, but he has never seemed to watch a movie like he did as he watched, "The Lorax" in 3D. Being blind in his left eye, the 3D portion of the movie does not likely excite Christopher, but the bright colors, catchy jingles, and fast pace of the movie did for sure. He giggled and squealed from start to finish. As I sat next to Christopher, I could not help but see a number of parallels in the message of the Lorax as compared to the lessons Christopher exemplifies through his life. The Lorax says:

                    I am the Lorax, and I'll yell and I'll shout
                    for the fine things on earth that are on their way out!

Christopher teaches us that nice cars and nice things and perfect bodies are not necessary for happiness; rather, joy simply comes from the opportunity to live another day. Whether Christopher is surfing behind the boat or swimming in the water at Lake Powell, or at home flicking a door stop and feeling the vibration and hearing the reverberating noise, he is happy.


In light of Christopher's special circumstances, Alice and I have approached his life similar to the message of another quote by the Lorax: "It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become." Christopher's life could have been a reclusive and sedentary one controlling our family dynamic where he is helped from bed each day, fed three meals, taken to the bathroom every two hours, and put to bed until the same agenda began again the next day; we were not content to let Christopher's special needs dictate our life. We strive each and every day to treat Christopher similar to our other two children, and engage in the same family activities that we would even if Christopher was not physically and mentally challenged. As you can see from the videos posted on AdventuresWithChristopher.com, we engage in many activities that most would not think possible with a little boy who does not walk and does not talk, and we are happy.

Finally, the Lorax says:

                    Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
                    nothing is going to get better. It's not.

Like the Lorax, Christopher naturally shares a message to the all those within his sphere of influence that one can choose to be happy regardless of his or her circumstances in life.

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