Thoughts

Yesterday was a big day. We took Danika to her first movie. We went to see Toy Story 3. I was fully prepared for the worst- like having to leave the theatre. I prepared myself to drag a screaming child out- for what ever reason. I knew in my head that it wasn't going to happen, but I was prepared, because sometimes Danika can throw a mean curve ball.

Well, what I wasn't prepared for was the emotional roller coaster that seeing this "kids" movie would put me in. I have never been a huge fan of Toy Story. I mean I watch them with the kids, thought they were cute- but they weren't my favorite (maybe that is thanks to my sister for making me watch it a million times a day when she was little). I thought I would go, see this "kids" movie- and mainly be watching Danika to see the expressions on her face. What I did get, was a day that was emotional for me.

Once we dropped Bryce off with Sharon and Holly, we went to A&W to get a burger before heading to the theater because it was lunch time, and I didn't want Danika eating just junk for lunch. (Again, surprising to me, she ate the coating on onion rings for lunch!). We got to the theater and were a bit early- so we thought we would let Danika run around in the lobby for a bit before the show. Brett and her walked over to where some of the arcade games were. He came back to the table with her to see if I had any change- I opened my wallet and didn't find change, but did find my family necklace and wedding ring. I haven't seen these things since November 26th when the doctors asked me to take them off and put them somewhere safe. I hadn't even thought of them. I put them back on- fitting perfectly- then looked up again, just to hear Danika squeal with delight as she was playing a race car game with Daddy.

I got to thinking- what if things happened differently on that day. Would she be sitting playing video games and laughing with her daddy? Would she be as happy as she is now? Many thoughts went through my head, and I thanked god and everyone else who helped me survive so I could be there with them on this wonderful day.

When we got in the theater we found our seats, got all set up and started eating our treats. Danika didn't want her treats- a kids pack- popcorn, drink and smarties. She wanted to share my popcorn. Yes, the same popcorn that came out of the same dirty popcorn machine that hers did. The same popcorn that was in her little box- but that was okay. It was her day.

Danika did great during the movie. She sat for most of it. Sat on my knee for some, and stood for a bit too. She was quiet, she laughed, she squealed, she called out all the characters names as they came on the screen. She was so good. I half expected it- but again, prepared myself for the worst.

What I didn't expect was my reaction to this movie. When the toys were taken into the daycare, I started to think about every daycare I have worked at, and how it was my dream to one day open my own preschool. I started to watch the kids on the screen play with the toys, and thought about all of the toys I have seen get played with and broken through out the years. They talk, in one part, about how toys at daycares are lucky because when the kids grow up and don't play with them anymore, there are new kids that come along to play with them. It made me think of all the kids that I have taught, and how they have moved on and grown up- but then I caught myself thinking that now that is over- there are no more kids for me to teach, because I can't do that anymore. That I can't do what I went to school for. I had to stop, and remind myself that I can teach my kids, I can teach other kids that are in our lives, and that maybe I will get the okay again one day to work with kids in a different way. I had to remind myself that I was there that day for Danika, and I am here on this planet for my kids. I had to remind myself that it is a good day- and I am so happy that I am here, I got to be with Danika for her first movie, and that there will be many more!

At the end of the movie- well that was emotional too (really, if you know me well enough, you know I am not an openly emotional person). But when Andy was saying good-bye to the toys, the toys that have annoyed me for many years- I got emotional. It was great to see what he did with them, and how he did it (I wont spoil it for those who haven't seen it). As I walked out of there Brett asked what I thought- like we do after seeing any movie. I told him I thought it was wonderful, emotional, and one of the best "kids" movies I have seen in awhile.

Who knew, taking your almost 3 year old to a "kids" movie could bring up so many emotional thoughts.

(BTW- it is a GREAT movie, even without being emotional. They did a wonderful job. I was worried because it is the 3rd, and they came back after so many years. But it is my favorite one, I would even go again. EVERYONE has to see this movie!)