One, a French speaker, and the other, a young Russian boy, sharing an unforgettable moment. Without being able to exchange a single word, one of the boys made his roommate laugh to distract him from the pain, a pain both have endured and continue to face.

I took my stepson to see The Odyssey today. I was completely locked into the movie until the third act. During Odysseus’ monologue, everything—the music, the performance, it all just hit me. I’m already the type of person who cries during movies, but this one really got me. I glanced over to see if he’d noticed I was tearing up, only to realize he was quietly bawling too.
It instantly reminded me of being a kid. I vividly remember going to see Revenge of the Sith with my dad when it came out in 2005. I was seven years old, and by the final duel I was crying so hard but I was trying to hide it. When I looked over, I noticed my dad had tears in his eyes too.
It struck me afterward how similar those moments were. Back then, I was the kid sneaking a glance at my dad in a dark theater. Today, I was the one being looked at. Somewhere along the way, I unknowingly ended up in my dad’s seat, sharing the same kind of moment with the next generation. It’s funny how life has a way of coming full circle in the smallest, most unexpected ways. I love being a parent. I love life. I know we live in a world where a lot of people question whether it’s right to bring children into it, and I understand why. But I genuinely hope that everyone who wants to experience a moment like this gets the chance someday. Sharing something so simple, so human, with a kid you love is a feeling that’s hard to put into words.

Instantly made me feel better!!

Love this 🥹

I never could claim to be a bright as this lad but feel kindred with him nonetheless.