As new parents, we often hear that our children are always observing us. Most of us take this to heart, adjusting our behaviors even before the baby arrives. We strive for healthier eating habits, safer driving, and a well-modulated indoor voice. However, as our children grow, the extent of our influence can be unexpectedly nuanced. One day your daughter might appear in a dress too revealing that she swears is yours, or your son might unexpectedly drop a curse word during a football match. Where did that come from?
By the time they reach their teenage years, we tend to relax a bit, sharing experiences that everyone can enjoy. Unlike the toddler days spent pretending to relish making Play-Doh pizzas or listening to Raffi on repeat, we can now binge-watch television shows together. One series we embraced as a family was the critically acclaimed Mad Men. This show rekindled my fascination with actor Jon Hamm. My sister claims it was more than mere admiration; she says I was “obsessed.” While I wouldn’t go that far, I did have a soft spot for him, and it wasn’t lost on my kids. We even had a lighthearted agreement that, should anything ever happen to their dad, Jon Hamm would be a suitable stand-in.
Eventually, I found myself meeting the charming Jon Hamm at a Stand Up to Cancer event in Los Angeles, a work function for my husband. Typically, I play the supportive spouse role well at such events. Long-term marriages necessitate a genuine interest in your partner’s career, and I didn’t need to feign mine. The event was emotional and entertaining, and we were eventually directed toward the after-party. My husband quipped that I locked onto Jon like a heat-seeking missile as soon as I spotted him.
Jon Hamm didn’t just meet my expectations; he exceeded them. He held my hand when we were introduced, wrapped his arm around my back for photos, and most importantly, we shared a heartfelt conversation about losing our mothers to cancer. For a few brief moments, it felt like I was the only person in the room. Simultaneously, he reminded me of the harsh realities of cancer and the importance of doing more to combat it.
When I returned home with my husband, I eagerly recounted the entire experience to our kids, including the highlight of meeting Jon. It’s often hard to gauge what messages our children absorb, but I hoped they recognized the value of supporting a cause. If your celebrity crush is also advocating for a noble cause, it’s a double victory.
The following year, our family accompanied my husband on another business trip, this time to London. After we landed, my teenage daughter excitedly informed me that Ansel Elgort, star of The Fault in Our Stars and Baby Driver (with Jon Hamm!), was also in London. Despite our well-structured itinerary, I decided to chase down a tip from a doorman. Jetlagged and famished, we sprinted through the streets of London to meet Ansel, who turned out to be just as kind and accommodating as I had hoped.
The power of social media to connect us with celebrities—even in a foreign city—continues to astonish me. However, the most enduring memory from that trip is the radiant smile on my daughter’s face. While we didn’t walk away with lessons on culture, health, or philanthropy that day, we did embrace a fundamental truth: our children’s happiness is paramount.
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Summary
Meeting celebrity crushes can create extraordinary moments for parents and their children. Whether it’s sharing heartfelt discussions or witnessing the joy on a child’s face, these experiences underline the significance of happiness and connection in family life.