Have you ever shown your kids a fond childhood movie, and then you find yourself crying? I wasn’t crying because they enjoyed a movie I liked as a kid. I found myself shedding tears because there was a life-altering dialogue happening. And better yet, it was a scene with the most fear-inducing figure until I saw my first scary movie, Old Man Marley.
The scene is near the climax when Kevin and Old Man Marley have a heartfelt conversation in a church. Old Man Marley was the scary neighborhood older man, and this conversation transformed his character into a helpful grandfather figure to our home-alone child, Kevin.
OLD MAN MARLEY: You’re always welcome at church. I’m not welcome with my son. Years back, before you and your family moved on the block, I had an argument with my son.
KEVIN: How old is he?
OLD MAN MARLEY: He’s grown up. We lost our tempers, and I said I didn’t care to see him anymore. He said the same, and we haven’t spoken to each other since.
KEVIN: If you miss him, why don’t you call him?
OLD MAN MARLEY: I’m afraid if I call that he won’t talk to me.
KEVIN: How do you know?
OLD MAN MARLEY: I don’t know. I’m just afraid he won’t.
KEVIN: No offense, but aren’t you a little old to be afraid?
OLD MAN MARLEY: You can be a little old for a lot of things. You’re never too old to be afraid.
KEVIN: That’s true. I’ve always been afraid of our basement. It’s dark, there’s weird stuff down there, and it smells funny; that sort of thing. It’s bothered me for years.
OLD MAN MARLEY: Basements are like that.
KEVIN: I made myself go down to do some laundry, and I found out it’s not so bad. All this time I’ve been worried about it, but if you turn on the lights, it’s no big deal.
OLD MAN MARLEY: What’s your point?
KEVIN: My point is, you should call your son.
What the heck, Home Alone? How were you sneaking in these key life lessons in the middle of a slapstick comedy around child abandonment and breaking and entering?
Be careful showing the next generation your favorite movies. There’s no telling what lesson you’re going to learn from it. Also, you’re never too old to be afraid. Just flip on the lights. Just make the call. Settle your fear and take the first step.
Merry Christmas, y’all.