Yesterday I took the kids to see THE LORAX. Their initial excitement was around the fact that Zac Ephron and Taylor Swift have lead vocal roles. I don’t think they were prepared for the touching story with an important lesson woven throughout.
When all the trees were gone, the animals left in search of a new home. The Lorax retreated to the sky, and the Once-Ler had really blown it. My children were all crying. It was clear they understood that the world had changed, all for the worse.
By the end, it truly had a happy ending, and our conversation on the way back to the car made me realize that we can’t underestimate the ability our children have at a young age to affect change. “The Once-Ler was so greedy!” one of them said. “It’s one thing to have a business, but it’s not worth it if everyone around you is unhappy,” said another. “Things can only get better if we work together,” said the third. Those are the moments as mother when you’re reminded that it has been worth it to let almost a decade of paychecks pass you by.
The closing line of the movie is worth remembering, maybe even posting:
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better. It’s not.
Happy Monday!
