Helpless, Hopeless Romantic

Outward appearances can be deceiving sometimes. Most of you would be surprised to realize that I am a helpless, hopeless romantic who cries even during the most light hearted movies. Contrary to what the critics saw, I thought "Last Chance Harvey" had a lot of substance.

The social odds were slanted quite unfavorably against "Harvey" - Dustin Hoffman and "Kate" - Emma Thompson ever connecting. He a 5'8", divorced, American father in London for his daughter's wedding and she a 6'+ never married, British woman who was quite simple in outward appearances to everyone except Harvey. She was even admittedly cantankerous and tight lipped at times with most people. An extremely bad day for both led up to Harvey and Kate meeting in an airport lounge. Her British demeanor and wit intrigue Harvey. His subtle humor, calm compassion and fun spirit provide an immediate safe haven for Kate. The story evolves and they find themselves spending time together.

Just like Kate, I was quickly swept emotionally by this highly unlikely chemistry between the two. I was wondering what catastrophic event would come and undermine the happiness these two people had found in each other. After all, just simple love stories don't impress most people anymore. Despite the times, it was a happy ending. It left hope for new beginnings in lives that seemed hopeless. Kate asked Harvey how it could possibly work-- he answered with confidence, "I don't know but it will".

Men like Harvey are hard to find. I found myself smiling and thinking about how great it was that these two "middle aged" people found "it's never to late to open your heart and change your life". I thought even in the most unlikely circumstances there are inward commonalities that far outweigh the social slants we put on getting to know people. I continue to smile as I saw in "Last Chance Harvey" that it's only your last chance if you quit. It gave me renewed spirit that for hopeless, helpless romantics like me who believe in love, it's never your last chance. I walked away wondering what Harvey would look like to me today. Much like Kate, I think my Harvey would offer a subtle calm, a witty sense of humor, a tender heart and a safe haven to have fun together. I wouldn't care about outward appearances. In fact, if I found such an opportunity I would go barefoot just to explore the possibilities.