The False Dilemma In Big Hero 6

Last weekend I relented to SIP's constant nagging request to rent Big Hero 6 from Red Box.  ALL of his friends had already seen it, that is if Morgan and Sean were his only friends.  Anyhow, the riveting movie reviews have spread through the first grade like wildfire and SIP could not wait to see it for himself.

STOP:  WARNING!!!
If you have not seen Big Hero 6 and plan to watch it free and clear of plot spoilage or criticism...this blog is not for you...right now.  Come back to me after you've seen the movie. 

It's not a bad movie.  I love the robot, BayMax, the fluffy ultra conscientious personal health care provider to Hiro, the main character.  BayMax is so dedicated to his position, that the only way to release him from work is to say, "I am satisfied with my care."  BayMax, through calm and sweet demeanor finds innovative solutions to all sorts of problems throughout the movie.  In fact, one of the story's main themes is "discovering another angle."  When you find yourself in writer's block, geek stump, pitcher's slump, etc., shake things up, look at the problem in another way and there you will find the solution. 

We've almost made it to the end, deeply immersed in the climactic conflict, and we discover that BayMax, much like the Terminator, has to make the decision to sacrifice himself for his human counterpart.  The only way he can do this though, is for Hiro to say the words, "I am satisfied with my care."  Once this happens, BayMax will release his detachable rocket hand in an explosive burst, sending Hiro home and himself deeper into essentially, a black hole.  Hiro says the dreaded words and our hearts sink as his best friend separates from him.  It's quiet in the living room as we all try to digest this tragic turn of events and SIP says, "Why didn't BayMax just hold onto him with his other hand?"  Yes, ponder that for a minute.  The removable rocket hand could have propelled both of them home if BayMax had just held onto Hiro with his other hand.  Ironic oversight in a movie where the main point is solving problems through ingenuity. 

As always, I marveled at the wisdom of my small child, who sees things more clearly than I ever could; and I wondered, what am I missing?  What false dilemmas, excuses, speed bumps, are holding me back in my life catapulting me deeper into space and away from true LIFE?  I hope as you read this, you ask yourself the same question and I challenge you each day, as I do myself, to look at your problems from a different perspective if they are weighing you down.  Sometimes the answer is as simple as just holding on with the other hand. 

That night, after SIP brushed his teeth, he came to hug me.  I said, "I love you."  He replied, "I am satisfied with my care."  My heart swelled and I envisioned a piece of me exploding and floating into darkness...as I held on with my other hand. 

If you like my blog, you'll love my novel, Emerson's Place.

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