My First Movie

My mom told me we were going to Redners. I was six years old, but I knew the way to Redners. We were not going the right way at all. I tried to tell her, but she said we were taking a different way.

I was young, but not stupid. I knew we weren't going to Redners. I thought she was trying to get me to the Doctor's office, but we ended up at the big FOX building across the street from the mall.

I didn't exactly know what a movie theater was. I just knew that my oldest brother Jeremy worked at one. He was working that day, and we were allowed in for free. He had it all set up for me. It was amazing.

I'd seen the commercials for it, but I never imagined I'd get to see it on a big screen... Toy Story.

The first full length computer animated movie. Looking back, it feels like I was a part of history. It's strange, but I remember that day so well. Everything about it, even having to go to the bathroom at the scene where Woody and Buzz first arrive at Pizza Planet. My brother was ushering and escorted me. When it was over, my brother took one of the movie posters for me. I still have that poster hanging in my room to this day.

I always tell people I have this strange connection with Disney, but no one can really understand it.

I went and saw Toy Story 3 with my mom this past weekend. Andy going away to college made me realize how much I've really grown since then. There were so many messages in the movie; so many symbolic undertones on growing up. Unfortunately, unlike Andy, I'm not ready to grow up.

I realized that I had given up most of my childhood toys already. There are still a few I'll never let go of. I still have my barney doll, and wormy... my first toy. I wish I would have held on to my Woody and Buzz action figures though. That would have meant more to me than anything, still having them. Being able to sit and watch the first two with those toys by my side... but I can't.

Toy Story 3 was the first 3D movie I saw in theaters. I saw a few 3D shows in Disney World, but this is entirely different. I'm glad I was able to share another first like that with my mom. She took me to see the first Toy Story, and I took her to see the last one. I know most people don't see a lot in seeing a movie, but it's one of the simplest means to spend time with someone.

I'm leaving for college in two months, and I know she's going to take it hard. The same way Andy's mom did. I couldn't help but shed a tear when she looked at his empty room. My mom has been here for me from the start, I've always been here, and now she's going to have to adjust to it. I'm growing up faster than she wants.

I try not to cry around my mom... she likes to tease me. I only shed three tears, but I would have bawled my eyes out if she wasn't there. The Toy Story Trilogy holds so much more to me than any other movies. It's my series.