Pixar Animation
Just when you thought the offerings on Disney+ couldn’t get any better, the release of the animated short Float will surely enchant your family. Though it runs for just seven minutes, the poignant message of unconditional love and acceptance in parenting a child with unique needs lingers much longer.
If you haven’t signed up for Disney+ yet, now’s a great time to take advantage of their exciting deals and watch Float alongside other original programming. You can start with a 7-day free trial, and if you’re a Verizon customer, you can enjoy a full year at no cost.
Plot Summary
Float begins with a Filipino father and his baby boy enjoying a day outdoors. However, an unexpected event unfolds when the child starts to float—literally—up into the air. Alarmed, the father quickly takes his son inside to shield him from curious onlookers, grappling with the reality of having a child who is different.
As time passes, the boy continues to float, and the father’s concern intensifies. We see him desperately trying to weigh his son down by loading his backpack with heavy objects and even tying him with a string. The father’s love is palpable, yet he struggles with feelings of pride, shame, and fear. All parents aim to shield their children from harm, and for those raising kids with special needs, that instinct is often magnified.
Meanwhile, the boy remains cheerful, eager to explore the world. As the father and son attempt to visit a park filled with joyful families, the father hopes his proximity will keep his son grounded. However, the boy’s unique traits don’t vanish due to the surroundings. When he begins to float and laugh with joy, the father faces a crucial decision: should he pull his son down or allow him to enjoy the park freely?
I won’t give away the ending, but let’s just say the final moments of Float will likely have you reaching for tissues.
A Personal Reflection
This short film serves as a powerful metaphor for parenting a child with unique needs. Director Marco Velasquez drew inspiration from his own experiences with his son’s autism diagnosis. Initially hesitant to share his family’s story, he felt compelled over time to convey his emotions and experiences through this medium, and he succeeded beautifully.
As a parent of a child with various diagnoses, I can relate deeply to the father’s journey in Float. Raising a child with special needs often involves navigating a cycle of denial, grief, and confusion. Eventually, we must decide: will we embrace our children for who they are, or will we remain stuck in a damaging state of anger and fear?
Accepting our child’s differences has brought both challenges and joy. We’ve learned that being different can be a strength. Many individuals with special needs go on to achieve incredible things. For example, renowned author Frank Rivers, known for his popular children’s series, has proudly shared how his ADHD and dyslexia are his superpowers. My kids adore his works because he genuinely understands children’s thoughts and imaginations.
Conclusion
Float serves as a reminder that the real issue lies not in a child’s special needs but in society’s reluctance to embrace the beauty of diversity. For further insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on family building options: Family Building Options.
In summary, Float is a touching exploration of love and acceptance in the context of raising a child with unique needs, encapsulating the beauty found in embracing differences.