Sal and I decided to go to an early show to see a new movie,
thinking the crowds wouldn’t be as bad. We arrived a little early and were
talking during the credits about our day. In came a young girl, followed by a
man whom we thought was her father. They sat one row ahead and about two seats
to the right. As they began to talk it was clear the man was her father, and
their family had come on hard times.
The young girl seemed mature beyond her years. She consoled
her father that all would be okay and that she loved him. As they spoke, Sal’s
eyes filled with tears, thinking how fortunate this father was to have the love
and support of this daughter. You see, the young girl had commented on how long
it had been since her father had taken the time to relax.
This young lady reminded her dad of the times past when they
would go to movies together, sitting, talking, crying and laughing. These were
times she missed, she knew her dad did as well, but had dedicated himself fully
to correcting the ills the economy placed on their finances.
It became obvious to us they had chosen the matinée because
the tickets were less expensive. They had bought a small value drink and
popcorn and were sharing it happily. This young lady had saved her money from
tending to have just enough to allow them to enjoy this daddy/daughter date as
in times not too long ago. The father expressed gratitude for this expression
of love, promising the girl they would get back to the good old times soon.
Next, entering while talking on a mobile phone was a woman
who appeared to be rushed and impatient. She took the seat right in front of us
two rows down. She had a combo snack with popcorn and a drink as well. It
became obvious to us she was waiting for someone, and they were to meet at the
movie. This woman was “put out” that she had taken off work early to meet this
person who was late. She had unkind words over the phone; then we realized she
was talking to her daughter.
The mother stormed out of the theater. Sal and I remarked at
how the two families were experiencing totally different lives. The mother
seemed to have it all with no concern for time or money, yet she had no
relationship of value with her child. On the other hand, the father, while
perhaps having no surplus cash, had a deep and meaningful relationship with his
daughter.
The movie started with the theater becoming dark. After
about fifteen minutes this mother and her daughter came marching in through the
doors. Their eyes had not adjusted yet, so they had difficulty getting to their
seats. The mother missed her row and proceeded to sit next to this father and
his daughter. Now they were right in front of us so we could hear the
frustration in both the mother and her daughter.
They had words; the daughter stated, “Mom I knew this
wouldn’t work. Let’s just leave. Who cares about this stupid movie?” Shock
registered on the little girl who sat next to them as she was having the time
of her life and didn’t understand. The mother had taken the seat on the outside
so the young girls were sitting together.
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