{Hugo with his Dad, via Yahoo}
After taking Ryder to see HUGO in 3D last night, I cried all the way home. I had never read the book and knew very little about the film going into it. I had no inkling it would move me the way it did, connect me to my dad, and deliver the sweetest gift a mama could ask for.
Lately, I’ve been immersed in the magic of exploring purpose. My e-course students are digging deep to find theirs in relation to their blogs. I spent a couple of hours this weekend writing and doodling about my own as I follow along with the Hello Soul Hello Business ecourse. I’ve been researching it for exciting projects in the works. I’ve reflected deeply about the ways my dad inspired millions of parents and educators to help kids embrace their own innate sparks.
So, I spent most of the movie with my jaw in my lap and my heart jumping out of my chest, watching this little boy – Hugo – defeat the odds by letting love, passion and purpose guide him through the darkness of his life. He and his loving dad shared a deep fascination with clocks and machinery. After his dad dies in a fire and Hugo’s life spins out of control, his saving grace is his passion for rebuilding a magical machine that he suspects will deliver messages to him from his beloved dad. At one point during the movie, he shows his friend Isabelle the view of Paris at night from the top of a clock tower, telling her he sees the whole world as one big machine in which every single part has a purpose. He says it’s the only way he can explain his reason for being – that he was meant to be here and that we’re all here for a reason.
As Ryder and I walked out of the movie, both with wet eyes, my almost-nine-year-old turned to me and asked, “Mom, what’s my purpose??” It was like a lightning bolt to the heart, to have my own child wonder what he’s here in the world to be and do. As we walked to the car, I told him finding his purpose will be the greatest adventure of his life. It’s why we encourage him to try lots of different things – from choir to baseball to art – so he can begin to realize what lights him up inside. Once he finds that passion, I told him, he gets to use it not only to bring himself joy…but to help others, too.
(Ryder with his Papa last summer}
As we drove home, I told him – through tears – that it’s what Papa {my dad} called sparks: “an individual’s deepest passions and interests that give them meaning, focus, joy and energy.” He shared that message around the world, I told Ryder, and is surely so excited that now his own grandson, whom he so adored, is eager to find his. I felt my dad with me, sitting shotgun, beaming as he listened in. Ryder hung on my every word {which is a rarity nowadays} as I told him I wasn’t crying just because I missed Papa, but because I was so happy for the chance to talk about sparks with my boy. “Yeah, I know,” he said. “I get it.” By God, I think he really does.
hi! Loved this post! I love to see such a beautiful relationship btwn fathers and their children. I do believe it sets you up on such a strong foundation that is rock solid. And for you to pass it on to the next generation is priceless. *sigh*
Is there anyway to sign up for your ecourse still? I know I’m a bit late, but thought I would ask anyway! Thanks for the consideration!
Thank you, Tracy! I agree! {I just sent you a note about BBTL – registration ended last night, but I’m willing to take some last-minute sign ups today}.
I was directed over here by the e-course this morning and I am so glad I read this post. Not only did it stir up emotions in my as a reader, but it taught me so much about writing style as a blogger myself. I see now exactly what you were referring to in the lesson for today. Thank you for correlating this post with our lesson, because it helped me so much to witness what authentic writing looks like.
Oh, thanks Katie – glad it “clicked” for you.
I agree with Katie, this is a wonderful example of today’s lesson and it helped me really get it. What a wonderful moment for you and your son.
oh Liv.
this lights me up
in a big way.
so sweet….thanks for the beautiful ponder.
(your little guy is SO wildly blessed
to have a mama like you)
-Jennifer
So much gratitude for your kind words and open heart, Jennifer. xo
Liv
This is beautiful! Our family talks about “sparks” because of the work of your lovely father (they use his work at school to inspire kids) and I am inspired by you as well (I miss the “get real girls”!)… thanks so much for sharing who you are with the world, it lets all of us believe that we may do so as well. May we all find the sparks that light our soul
Oh, that’s so lovely to hear, Stephanie. Thank you!!
Hi Liv,
Your post today just made me cry to think of the ways our parents still show up in our lives and our kids. It’s been 3 years since I lost my mom and some days her presence is as fresh as yesterday. Thank you for sharing – what a gift your son has to have you and your father helping him to find his own spark!
Laura
It really does feel like such a gift from my dad. It is amazing how that bond is never really broken. Thanks, Laura!
Thank you Liv! I love reading your stories of your dad, “Sparks”! What a wonderful word to sum up your deepest passion.
BTW, Love, Love your new blog!
PS, thanks for the brainstorming ideas you sent Michele!!!
Tonya
Liv, I am in tears from reading this. Very beautifully written and thought provoking.
Liv, tears and smiles; what a poignant photo. The bond, grandfather to grandson, shines through. Your father’s “spark” is lighting his daughter, son and grandsons. You all sparkle!
Joy to you and yours.
June
And now I’m crying, too, Liv. Thank you so much for sharing.
Love to you all!
Nor
Wow, Liv. Thanks for sharing. Brought tears to my eyes.
Melody
Wow, I’m in tears just reading this, thanks for sharing such an intimate and meaningful moment with us all.
Thanks for all the love – comments, tweets, likes and emails. Means so much to me.
Liv, you are a beautiful and inspirational writer and possess many ‘sparks’, I believe. Your words moved me, and I hope I will not forget them so that I will remember them and use them to help our little guy(s)uncover their spark. What a powerful interpretation your father made of the simple word…SPARKS. It is no longer a simple word, but one that can be used as a life-guide.
beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. i am crying and smiling. thanks for this.