"That's what makes a promise such a big deal - once you make it, it lasts forever. " -Radio Flyer

I loved Radio Flyer. It is such a magical movie. My sister and I watched it over and over one of the years when we spent the entire summer up at the house in the Thousand Islands. We tried so hard to conjure up a way to make our Radio Flyer back at home fly. We spent hours thinking about it, but eventually gave up because we might get hurt. I didn't realize until recently the depth of that movie.

Although when we were little we thought it was so cool that the little boy got the Radio Flyer to take off at the end of the movie, we didn't realize he was running away because of his abusive step-father. We didn't realize he was flying away because his own mother failed to protect him when she took the abusive guy back. Looking back at that movie, I think it had more of a profound impact on me then even I knew at the time. I learned about what happens when a Mother does not have the strength to do what is best for her child. I learned about the strength of human spirit. And now, looking back, I know I will never be that mom because I will always protect my own little boy with every ounce of energy that I have.

I am his protector, and he is my heart and soul, my number one priority. So that's why I love Radio Flyer, it's an inspirational and moving story. In just a short time, it shows you that you need to stick by your family and hold them close. It shows you that you can do the things you dream of doing, and it shows you the strength of a little boy making sure that he is safe.

Chance, some day, if you read this, I hope you understand the importance of protecting your family and respecting others. I also hope you don't get any crazy ideas about flying around in a little red wagon because a) it's dangerous and b) you won't ever have a reason to fly away. And if for some reason you do want to fly away, I'll be right there beside you. :)