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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Into the Wild

Yesterday Casey and I saw a movie called “Into the Wild,” which is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a 20-something wanderer who rejected his family and society to move to Alaska in search of truth and, I suppose, the meaning of life.

It was an intense movie, full of quotes from Tolstoy and Thoreau and London, a critique of social norms and standard human interactions, but also of their opposite – an exclusive reliance on oneself.

The movie resonated with me, someone who frequently spurns social settings in favor of my quiet apartment. Without giving away the ending of the movie, let me say that one of the conclusions in particular hit home:

“Happiness only comes with people.”

I think about that sometimes. Like last week when I talked to my grandfather on the phone. With my grandmother passed away now after a decline into Alzheimer’s, I’d heard the rumors that he’d been up dancing till 2 a.m. with a widow he met. I’d heard that he turned red and giggled when asked about it at Sunday dinner.

When I talked with him on the phone, he sounded happier – more alive – than I’ve heard him in years.

He’s in love again at 76.

Also last week, I was driving down 28th street in Minneapolis, not in the best of moods, when a little boy ran out in front of my car and across the street. He was about 5 years old, wearing a T-shirt and nothing else, his hands flapping behind him as his bare ass streaked down the street. Ten seconds later a woman – his mom, I presumed – ran in front of me, her long Somalian Hiijab robes flowing behind her.

Son running faster than mother, I pulled the car over, pushed on the hazard lights and jumped out. Fifteen seconds later I grabbed the little boy under his shoulders. He looked at me and laughed as I carried his squirming, mostly naked body back to his mother.

When I handed him over, she didn’t look upset. “Thank you,” is all she said.

“You’re welcome,” I replied and went home.

These are the things that make me happy.

Posted by Aaron on October 21, 2007 5:37 PM