“Carpe Diem”

Seize the Day.

One thing that I definitely love as my kids are getting older, is I can begin to share with them some of my favorite movies.

This weekend, we watched “Dead Poet’s Society”.

I remember seeing this movie when it came out  (back in 1989!) and being very touched by it. I think I saw it a couple of times, but it has been a long time since I have seen it.

The other night during Family Home Evening, while reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”, the movie was mentioned; specifically, “Carpe Diem” was mentioned, so we decided to show it to the kids.

Such a powerful movie, with a powerful message.

I love how Robin William’s character – Mr. Keating (the controversial teacher) tells the kids to “Seize the Day” and to “Make your life extraordinary”.

I love how he gets them to stand on the desk as a reminder to always try to see things from a different perspective.

I love the free thinking he encourages, and the passion about life that he tries to instill.

I love how he encourages them to march to their own beat.

I love how the boys create a special brotherhood and bond.

I love how he teaches them about romance and poetry.

I love how they call him “O Captain, My Captain”.

My heart broke at the end when Neil feels he has no options.

I bawled (again) when the father holds him in his arms saying “My son” over and over, then holds his wife who is crying “He’s alright”.

I continued bawling when the boys stood on their desk for their Captain. Powerful.

Love this movie.

Love the message.

I hope my kids will seize the day. I hope they will make their lives extraordinary. I hope they know how much potential they have. I hope they know and feel how much they are loved.