More than a Movie...

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 2001


Looking back, I can't believe it's been 10 years since the first Harry Potter movie was released. Tonight our family said goodbye to Harry Potter as we watched the final movie.

It's been more than a movie series, it's been my children's childhood, most especially Nathan's. He read all of the books, and of course has seen all of the movies numerous times.

Most of the movie releases over the years have been in November, which is his birthday month. So we've had lots of Harry Potter birthday movie nights. Over the years Nathan has been told many, many times how much he looks like Harry Potter. The first time we saw Dr. Earle the first thing he said to Nathan was, "You know you look a lot like Harry Potter?" Yes, we know.

This is Nathan in 2001 when the first Harry Potter movie was released. There is a resemblance to Harry. Especially when he started wearing round glasses.



Nathan in 2002 when "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" was released. (Notice the new, round glasses?)



Nathan in 2004 when "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" was released.



Nathan in 2005 when "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was released.



Nathan in 2007 when "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" was released.



Nathan in 2009 when "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" was released.


Nathan in 2010 when "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I" was released.


Nathan in 2011 when "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II", the Finale was released.

I can't help, as a Mom, but draw parallels to the character's age progression and maturity and Nathan's maturity and progression. I look back on how carefree and happy the younger Harry Potter was, and so was Nathan.

And I watch as Harry Potter has grown and become a young man, and well, so has Nathan. In one part of the final movie they cut back to a clip from the first movie and there was the sweet little boy, Harry. My thoughts instantly went to Nathan at that age, seeing that movie. I could have wept (and maybe I did a little) for the loss of that young boy and his loss of innocence about the world. Sometimes I miss my little boy. I know I still have him, in an older form, but I still miss the young bright, eager eyes when the world had the possibility of magic. When he didn't have to worry about evil and hurt and pain. When he wasn't in the fight of his life to find out who he is.

Goodbye Harry Potter, we will sorely miss you.

P.S. I love you, Nathan.