In the Disney/Pixar movie Up, Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old widower living alone in the home he and his childhood sweetheart, Ellie, had built as their lifelong love nest. Ellie has been dead now for quite a while and Carl's life is tied up with her memories. She was the fuel for his fire, and now he burns very low. Carl is alone on purpose, imprisoned in his home and his memories.

Into his life comes Russell, a young Wilderness Scout who is looking for love and acceptance from his father by getting as many badges as possible, in hopes that his father will notice, come to a ceremony and be proud. Russell comes to Carl with an offer of help. Over and over again he is rejected as he reaches out to Carl in his awkward 8 year old boy way.

One of the greatest fears that we face as just ev…