I Love Sofia Vergara
There I said it. No, I didn’t misspeak either. I meant to say love.
Last night I watched the movie Chef with my family. Sofia plays the ex-wife of the protagonist; but against the tradition of divorce, their relationship is supportive and caring. They have a son together, who more or less is the star of the movie. I don’t mean to spoil, but the plot is mood-lifting, creative, and fast-paced. The transparency between all the characters is beautiful. I learned so much about how to care for others during separation and painful histories.
The main plot of the movie revolves around the protagonist’s battle of time between his career/passion and his family. This is clearly what created the rift in his relationship with Sofia (you idiot) and his son. The love of his son and support from his ex-wife never left. They stood by, disappointed, without turning their backs on him amidst his mid-life crisis. They helped him turn smoky situations into a life he’d only had in his dreams.
This exemplified forgiveness, restoration, and genuine care in my eyes. The accountability and patience with one another is tear-jerking. Now, we may not all be so lucky to run into the bombshell, sophisticated, hilarious, angel of a character Vergara plays and is. I love her. But, looking past all of that, the way she balances her care for family, approach to tough conversations, and wears her emotions on her sleeves gives me hope that this world may in fact have some Sofia Vergara, Jr. in my eminent path.
Jokes aside, the real lesson here is that we all need people in our corner. (I stray from sharing examples from the movie in hopes you’ll watch it for yourself.) We all need the community that will hold us up when we fail and those who will fight for us when we have trouble fighting for ourselves. We need to find our passion and share it with those who just want a relationship with us.
Giving back is the most rewarding and restorative thing you can do in your life. The protagonist is obviously a chef in the movie, and above all the clear passion he feels for his profession; the times he shares it with his son provides the only non-fleeting rush you see him have throughout the film.
I’ve been the son and the father in this scenario. By that I mean the student and the teacher. Both are such rewarding roles, and I believe roles all of us should play each day of our lives. Be both every day. Learn and teach. Give back. You will feel rewarded more from giving than receiving, I promise. Become an ice luge for knowledge, not vodka. Let people pour in and let people fill up.
I loved this movie almost as much as I love Sofia. Check it out.
-JW
