Young boys should never be sent to bed on time... they always wake up a day older.
-J.M. Barrie, Finding Neverland
*****
Last night, after the boys were in bed and Kev had opened his books to study, I put in one of my favorite movies from my college days, Finding Neverland, and had my mind blown by the changing of the meaning since last time I saw it. As an English major, the story of J.M. Barrie's real life inspirations for Peter Pan made me want to sit down and write a story about everything that happened around me. I loved the way the film switched back and forth between imagination and reality to show just how integrated they are. I dreamed that I could create something powerful and poignant, but all together fun. I cried, every time, at the end when the family claps to keep Tinkerbell alive, begging that the muse would live.
*****
Last night, I watched it as a mother. I was reminded of the importance of imaginative play for my children. Of allowing my boys to run free in the woods, making up their own games, allowing them to create a world of their own. I cringed every time one of the young boys lost a little piece of their innocence. I teared up thinking that one day they will experience hurt and I won't be able to kiss it and make it better. I felt guilty that, just a few hours earlier, I willed them to go to bed just a bit early so I could do the things I wanted to do. I cried at the end, when the family claps to keep Tinkerbell alive, because I could not imagine leaving my boys behind.
*****
I know one day, Cullen won't cuddle with me after his nap, and Bennett won't smile every time he sees me. They will have their feelings hurt, they will see bad things happen and they will learn that the world around them isn't always a positive place. But I want them to always to be able to go to a spot where imagination is encouraged, art flourishes and parents are not in control.
And every now and again, I'll let them stay up just a few minutes late, in hope of keeping them boys forever.
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| Bennett at 3 weeks, Cullen, just over 2 |
22 comments:
Such a sweet post! Peter Pan is my favorite movie. And don't feel bad, you're human, and need things too. Love the name Cullen by the way. That's a favorite future baby name of mine :) And lasty, sweet picture of your children!
what a sweet post. I do the same thing, I let the girls stay up past bed time just to watch them express their imaginations a little bit longer. I love to sit back and watch their imaginations and crativity sore. Such a cute picture of the boys!
Beautiful post and message! I also absolutely love Finding Neverland. It's a wonderfully inspiring film.
You just made me teary! This post is so wonderful :) You're so right, too. It's important to let them be little because time goes by so quickly. They're lucky to have such a great momma! xoxo, e
A wonderful Mother you are my Love.
This made me tear up and I'm not a mama! I just wanted to thank you for leaving such sweet thoughts.
Oh my goodness, this is so sweet! Those boys are so lucky that you're they're momma :)
Yep. Tearing up now. For all the best reasons.
Your boys are so blessed to have you :)
Beautiful post! So incredibly sweet. What a blessed and lucky family. :)
One of my favorite movies! Wow, I'm sure it's so much more powerful watching it now, that's wonderful. Your little guys are so lucky to have someone like you who wants them growing up just as little boys should. Ahh I'm getting weepy!
So SWEET!!!
Those boys are too cute for words.
Lovely post. I know of what you speak, I blinked and my baby is 33!
Beautifully expressed.
I'm sitting here crying as I have two boys, 4 and the other turned 6 today! Thanks for commenting on my blog. That necklace will look great on you!
this is the sweetest post. Your boys are so lucky to have a momma like you! I cannot believe how much Bennett has grown in the short time we have become "blog" friends!!
Aw precious! I just saw this movie for the first time about a year ago. Loved it.
This adorable! It pulled at my heart strings and I don't even have kids. Keep them young as long as you can!
I've never seen that movie, but I remember now that I did want to. Netflix here I come!
Beautifully written, Kate! Your boys are lucky :)
i am in love with bennett's little knees for some reason they are so cute
Aw - this is so touching and sweet.... you are a lucky mama to have such beautiful boys ;)
XO
www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com
That picture of the boys is so precious!
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