First of all, I fully realize that my taste in movies is not the same as some. Secondly, I am particularly prone to enjoy British movies. Today we spent the afternoon sipping lemonade and watching a movie that recently came out on DVD, “Cemetery Junction.”
To be honest I had little hope of really liking it, at least enough to recommend it. The screenplay was co-written by Ricky Gervais, who at times can be a little silly for my fancy. However, this movie proved to be a wonderful coming of age story set in the 1970′s.
Here is the theme, based on an Arab proverb: Throw your heart out in front of you and run ahead to catch it. In other words, follow your passion.
Maybe the movie hit a chord because recently I have watched as some of the local kids have begun to return to school. While I am a strong advocate of education, I have noticed that parents — not all, but some — are beginning to pigeon hole their kids’ futures instead of encouraging the kids to follow their own passions.
I can say that because I have been there. You see, my dad was one who believed that if I followed my heart and my dreams I would be happy, regardless of my chosen profession. On the other hand, my mother had selected the profession she wanted me to choose before I was even adopted. The difference is that my father was happy with his life and his choices. My mother was trying to fulfill her dreams through me. She meant well, of course, but we did have our moments.
With one of my sons I noticed that my mother-in-law all but tried to brainwash him into a profession. I spent several years at odds with her, believing that my son should follow his passion even if he decided to work at a service station. Maybe I had gone to far, but we have a neighbor who is a veteranian and hates his work. In fact, I think he hates animals. His father was a vet and insisted that the son follow in his footsteps, taking over the family business. It has not worked so well. The son who is now retired hated his work and really was not very good at it. Let’s just say he had no bedside manner for pets.
Well, here’s the thing. I suggest that everyone of every age watch the movie, “Cemetery Junction.” Then, throw your heart out in front of you and run ahead to catch it. For that, I am thankful.
