An Open Letter to Owen Wilson

I love Mama Kat‘s writing prompts, but only participate when something really speaks to me. This week is one of those weeks. Mama Kat challenged me to write an open letter to a celebrity. Typically I’d not write to a celebrity. I mean, do any of them really read anything from fans any more? However, at about the same time Mama Kat made her challenge, my daughter did something that moved me to write the following to Owen Wilson:

Dear Owen,

I couldn’t have guessed in 1998 after seeing Armageddon and becoming a faithful fan of your wit, smile and blue eyes that you’d end up playing a role in my life.

Back in the late 90s, when I was childless, going through a divorce, and busy chasing my helicopter pilot dreams across the country, you kept me company with the fast wit, dry humor and sometimes fresh outlook of your characters. Roy O’Bannen, Eli Cash, Jedediah, Oscar Choi, Hansel, Hutch and the gang kept me laughing through some of the rough periods of my life. Even Behind Enemy Lines and The Minus Man left an impression. I needed to laugh, even to feel in some cases. You were there when I needed the escape and I’m grateful.

Flash forward to today, a time in my life that is as different as your military school days are to your current Hollywood life. Today I’m settled in Seattle, happily married to a wonderful man, and am the mom of two wonderful kids, 3 years and 18 months. These were the three things I wanted more than anything then, but they eluded me. My dreams have finally come true and my kids are my world, but I still hold soft spots in my heart for the people who got me through my dark years. You’re still one of my favorites.

I’m pretty progressive with my kids, teaching them independence and self reliance. I’m not big into letting them watch TV. Though there are some exceptions.

I few months ago I let them watch a favorite that is appropriate for their ages – Cars. That was it. The kids were hooked (like most of America’s preschoolers I suppose). My son carries his Lightening McQueen car everywhere now. My 3-year-old girl asks to see the movie all the time.

Then, one day, my girl announced, “That’s amazing!”, complete with appropriate inflection. I’d never heard her say “amazing” before.

“Where did you hear that?” I asked her.

“Lightening McQueen!” she replied with a grin, her blue eyes twinkling with not a little mischief worthy of the man who recorded those words for the movie.

It’s kind of lame, but her response made me teary eyed. My baby girl, whose name I’d chosen when I was 13 and who I’d wanted for so very long before she arrived, learned a word from one of my favorite actors; an actor who’s wit and humor helped keep me going through some rough years. I suddenly realized you are now a favorite of two generations in my house, which I can’t say about anyone else in the world.

I’ve read about how you battle depression, but you always seem to keep a firm foot in reality. I hope this note helps give you a warm feeling inside that might help you through a rough spot. You’ve touched a lot of people out there and I’m thrilled that you’ve touched both my little girl and me.

Thank you for all the sacrifices and hard work you make every day to do what you do. I know it isn’t easy being famous and privacy is so hard to come by. I hope knowing you’ve touched people in very special ways helps bring you some comfort when things do get overwhelming.

With love and gratitude,

Heligirl

Tagged as: Owen Wilson, writer's workshop