it's just me.

Where the Wild Things Are ... today

you know ...

those times when you need to run
and escape
and find the wildness in you--

You were 2 and 3--
and 4, 5, 6 ...
and
now, too,
even at 15.

I remember how once you needed me--
sometimes
before, you know,
before now.

It's good you don't need me like you did then,
because that would be weird ...:P

But I remember how you used to make forts
out of every pillow and blanket we had in the house
and you'd be like "Mom, come in! Come in my fort!"
And I'd crawl in your space and we'd imagine
all kinds of things.

You used to empty your toy box,
drag it in the middle of the living room,
and then bring your favorite stuffed animals
and sit with them inside ...
you loved watching movies, and you'd say: "Mom, come sit with us!"
And I would. How many times did we watch THE LION KING, TOY STORY, THE IRON GIANT, and PETER PAN (just to name a few!)

Remember how you loved swords?
Always a sword fight ... with me, or no one, or anyone passing through--

* * *

We went to the theater today to see WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE--
after we had an argument about
something I don't even remember now.
I just remember I was mad enough to say I didn't remember reading
that book to you when you were little
(I said it because I knew it would hurt you; and it did. I'm sorry, too)

I didn't want to go to that movie, though--
and you didn't understand.

So I went in my room and listened to some music and
you kept coming in and saying, "Mom, mom"
and I said, "I just need some time."

So you gave it.

I finally decided we should go
see WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
knowing
it might make me sad.

And, I cried within the first 10 minutes
when the little boy
ran into his room and looked at the globe his father gave him which said:

"To Max--Owner of this world."

Things only got worse before they got better--
we watched Max run away from home (after biting his mom!)
and sail across a treacherous sea
to an island of big, scary monsters.

But Max became King there (and I think it's because
he remembered what his dad said: "Owner of this world")

And there were lots of adventures ...
and the scenery was so beautiful ...
but there was some confusion and sadness, too.

So Max decided he should go back home--

And he did.

And when he walked inside the house (his monster costume
torn and dirty)
he saw his mom,
waiting.

And all she could do
was hug him.
She fell asleep at the kitchen table,
watching him eat ...

And I cried. And when I looked over,
I saw you were crying, too.

I'm not sure if you were crying because I was crying
but it doesn't matter.

The thing is,
we remember

where the wild things are ...

they're in our heart.

Forever.

<3