Marley

You know how much Pookie loves Marley and Me. That movie sends him over the edge, into pure happiness. He knows all the dialogue, all the scenes, even the background music. He pretends to be Marley, he finds ways to slip Marley into conversations later. He jumps up and down flipping his hands while he watches. When the movie is not playing, if you ask Pookie where he is going, he might say “I’m going to Columbia!” just like Sebastian says in the movie. If Pookie sees you eating, he might say “Why are you still eating? You eat three times a day!” just like John Grogan says to Marley in the movie.

You might think that is cute, and somewhat predictable. Its an easy movie to like, its about a dog. Its a bout a naughty dog that does funny things. Its right up Pookie’s alley.

I bet you would be surprised to know a little secret. ready?

Pookie cries when Marley gets sick and dies.

He does. He gets very upset and cries. Serious, mournful crying.

And it shocks me everytime. I know I should not doubt his understanding of those type of issues, but I do. Pookie does not show the correct amount of empathy in most situations. But then again, neither do most 6 year old boys. So, when I see him cry at Marley’s death, I cry. I cry because he is showing a side we rarely see. Emotion is bubbling out of him and he can’t help it. Its adorable, and so encouraging. It reminds me that he does get it. He does understand emotions. Maybe he cannot explain it, but he feels it. He has seen that blasted movie dozens of times. He knows Marley dies. He knows it does not mean he can never watch Marley again. But he still cries. He cries because even though he was flipping and laughing hysterically, sometimes not able to actually look at the screen because its too stimulating, he was following the plot. He was following the plot and he knows the Marley is getting sick. He knows what it means when John Grogan says Good-bye to Marley at the vet’s office. He knows it and he feels it.

And it makes him cry.

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