I was thinking about old movies today, and "ET" came to mind. The memory never fails to make me smile, and not just because this delightful movie was memorable all by itself.
My son was young when "ET, the Extra Terrestrial" came out in 1989, only 10 or 11. (I can never remember exactly what year my only child was born -- how weird is that?) We went to see the film at the Bradley Theatre in Columbus, GA. At the time, the Bradley was fairly new and its rocking theatre seating was unique and cool.
I'd already seen the movie, so I thought I was prepared for the sad parts. But...no. My son and I wept copious tears when ET was dying. We wept again when ET recovered -- yay! And then we wept when ET took his leave. "Beeeeee goooooood," he said, plunging us both (and most of the audience) into fresh paroxysms of grief.
After the movie, my son and I climbed into the truck for the trip home. He was silent on the way out of the theatre. He was silent as he fastened his seatbelt.
Then he turned to me, tears still glistening on his face, and said, "Don't you ever do that to me again!" He was furious, which I found utterly endearing.
After all these years, that moment in the truck brings back the smile. My kid. What a caring heart he has.
Yes, I know the title is grammatically incorrect, but "Us" didn't rhyme. So sue me.
