Yogi Bear

The local theater shows a movie once a month for kids with special needs. They call it "Reel Movies for Real Needs". It's a great thing. They don't dim the lights as much, the sound is quieter, all the families "get it"...it's a time for the kids who sometimes have issues sitting through a movie at a theater can learn to adjust to things that might bother them.

Last weekend we went to the 'Reel Movie' showing and they played the new Yogi Bear movie. I took Ryan and Eric with me. I bought the boys the little kids deal they have which includes popcorn, a candy and a pop. We sat in a row with a friend of mine and her son, so Ryan was 3 seats away from me. About half way through the movie, he walked over to me and asked to sit with me. (On a side note: while most mothers are sad that their 7 year old won't even let them kiss them in public cause it's embarrassing or gross or whatever, I revel in the fact that Ryan LOVES kissing me, hugging me and yes, still sitting on my lap) I asked him if he was okay because I was worried something was bothering him. He said "I want to sit with you so I don't eat so much".

So we watched the rest of the movie together. There was one part where Yogi and friends realize that they are going to cut down all the trees for logging. Ryan turned to me and whispered "I don't want them to cut down all those trees". He seemed very concerned. I said "I don't either" and he responded by saying "Those trees would be so sad to be cut down". It actually brought a tear to my eye. The compassion and love my son has for things is amazing. Sometimes that love is directed toward a toy or book. Sometimes a person or a place. But the pure and true LOVE that he is capable of is astounding to me. I wish everyone could love as much as he does, espcially the simple things. Our world would be a little less "Jersey Shore" and a lot more real. <3