Christmas Day John and I went to see the movie Marley & Me. I had read the book so I knew how the story would go. John did not so he didn't knowwhat to expect and I did'nt tell him.
I had heard from someone that they heard one of the reviews said the movie did not have depth. They couldn't have been more wrong in my opinion. This movie and life with a dog is the stuff life is made of. The glee, frustrations, routine, adjusting, joy, deep sadness, tough lessons, tender moments is what life with a dog is all about. Dogs make you stronger. Marley tested Jenny and John to their limits that there is no doubt. But in the end he was the greatest gift to them… they know that. I couldn't help but wonder how John Grogan and his wife felt watching their life play out on the big screen. It must have been so surreal. And I couldn't help but think how even though they make have felt so stressed out at times from Marley, if it wasn't for Marley they wouldn't be who they are today. Marley literally changed their lives… in so many ways.
As most of you know who have read the book, the end is wrenching. Reading the book three years ago I still remember how I was so sad for days after reading the last chapters. I had grown to love Marley. My poor hubby, not knowing how it ends was whispering to me that I was in big trouble when we got out of the theater (he was joking cause he was choking back the tears). I know we were both holding our breath, trying not to bust out crying. This one dog, our own dogs, have such a powerful grip on our hearts… how do we explain it? I don't think we can. As the end played out and it just about broke my heart strings, I was also saying silently to myself how joyous having a dog in my life is. I would not trade the joy just because of the pain.
When we were walking out of the theater you could hear many sniffles and there were many moist eyes. I think it is a good thing to feel this deeply. It cleanses our souls and makes us better. John sharing Marley with all of us is a beautiful thing.
As we got in the car for the drive home John and I were smiling at each other with tears in our eyes. There were so many moments parallel to our own experience with our first lab, Cassie Jo. It hit the deep pockets of our souls. I can imagine how it struck so many others also. And I have no doubt many dogs are being extra, extra, loved, hugged, kissed and played with after their owners have seen the movie. Now that is a beautiful thing, don't you think?
John and I "argued" all the way home who was going to hug the dogs first. Whoever was first did not matter, all that mattered was the good feelings it evoked because of our love for our dogs. When a movie makes you feel this deeply I would have to say it definitely has depth.