I was on a mission tonight. In the midst of failing, I succeeded by leaps and bounds. Radio Flyer is one of those films that I have long held a special place in my heart. When I saw it sitting on the shelf, there was no question that I was leaving the store with it. The blond who was very nice at trying to tell me what her name was and that her assistance would be helpful at anytime was completely ignored. Upon my dash to the register, the thought that maybe she was hitting on me crossed my mind, but I have never been very good at picking up on those things. Besides, we are talking about one of the greatest, underrated movies of all time.
Half way home, the fear struck me. I fumbled through the bag, driving with my bad hand, wincing in pain, while shining the dome light on the case to make sure that I indeed had the widescreen version with my right. Whew… A potential disaster averted. Let’s just forget about the driving with my bad hand part. Mom, you didn’t read that. Just nod your head and pretend it didn’t happen.
Like christmas day, I tore through the plastic and watched the movie from start to finish as soon as I got in the door. Then it struck me. This movie was responsible for a large portion of the crazy, stupid, and insane things I did as a kid. Me and neighborhood kids went on expeditions. We had great ideas. Yes, we even built a club house in the backyard. Jake was our Shane. Hiking to the river for the only purpose being that you could… It all seems so dumb as a grown up. When you’re a kid, girl or boy, these things make sense. I can’t explain it. They just do.