Movie Night
There are moments in life with our parents that, as children, we see it one way, and our parents see it another way.
Until those children grow up and become parents, they don’t realize what those moments actually meant.
My mother would take me to the movies, and I’m sure she loved spending time with me.
When I went to the movies with my mother, I hoped that no one from school would see me.
There were two movie theaters in Sayrewoods, New Jersey, one town over from where I grew up.
One was the Sayrewoods Theater, the other was Cinema 9. Both stood across from each other, on either side of Route 9 (how Springsteen of them).
My mother and I would go to either, depending on the movie that played at each. That changed when the Sayrewood Theater started showing adult movies (that would have been awkward).
In fact, before it switched over to adult movies, we were there. One night, before the main feature started, the ushers asked anyone under eighteen to step into the lobby.
Why?
Because they were going to show a trailer for their first adult feature.
As I said, awkward.
Today, I can vaguely remember some of the movies we watched together.
However, there is a moment that I can plainly see in my mind’s eye.
Running with my mother from the entrance of the theater to our car.
The downward slope of the pavement in the parking lot, my mother just steps behind me.
I’d usually beat her to the car, but I’m sure now she let me win every time.
I wish I knew then what I know now…
...time with our parents is not something to shield from our friends, but be enjoyed with them.
