Marley and Me

This movie has been out for quite some time. I have neglected to see it, because the previews made it look like some stupid dog movie I would have no interest in seeing. Well, I brought pizza home last night, and the family was looking for a movie on the On Demand. They wanted to watch Marley and Me.

No movie could have been more misrepresented then this one. Kim and I were fascinated at how the movie captured real life. The bliss of marriage before children, being thrust into parent hood when you don't think you are ready, the pain of losing a baby (which Kim and I have been through...quite a teary moment in the movie), and the joy when you are pregnant again. Sleepless nights with a baby, and a damned dog who wakes the baby up barking at the trash man. Total exhaustion caring for children, and slowly getting your life back as they begin to be self sufficient. Married sex on a squeaky twin bed, need I say more? Emily was conceived in my parents basement in New York with a sheet in between the two "bedrooms". Nate and Tammy were in the next "room". The quietest sex known to man. What a precious memory...what a precious child.

If you have ever had to put your dog to sleep, the last seen will make you weep. We had a dog named Bobbie. She was a naughty dog, but we loved her. She would steal whole batches of chocolate chip cookies off the cooling rack. I guess the chocolate caught up to her. She got something called Addison's disease. Her body no longer took nutrients out of her food. We tried everything for her. The day we put her to sleep was pretty sad. She seemed to be doing really well that day considering. Even as I write this, I wonder if we did the right thing. We did...we did.

She was playful in the vet's waiting room as she ate the free dog bones. We took her in the back and the doctor prepped her. He asked us if we were ready, and we asked for a minute with her. We said our good byes. He came back in and told us it would be very fast. As the doctor injected her, she immediately slipped away. I remember thinking "wait! that was too fast". I envisioned being able to comfort her and pet her as she slowly fell asleep. It was too fast for me, but just right for her. Selfish on my part I'm sure.

Anyway...the last seen of the movie, Kim and I were crying and little Simon and Sean were comforting us, little Simon kissing our faces. I've had a good life. What is life without pain? What is joy without pain? Both make life a wonderful journey. Kim and the kids make life a wonderful journey. Phoebe is a great dog.

Marley and Me is a profound movie. You should see it.