Movie gratitude.

The discount cinema near our house offers two free movies each weekday, screened at 10 am. Turner and I watched Furry Vengeance on Thursday. He was allowed to eat as much candy as he wanted. He selected red vines. Later in the day he was getting his teeth cleaned and sparkly sealants put on, which, according to dad, restricts the kinds of candy he can have from now on. Something about the sealants chipping. He came out of the movie with red cheeks, lips the shade of Sunset Blvd lipstick, and red splotches all over his Star Wars t-shirt. As the credits started rolling, Turner and I gathered our water bottles and candy wrappers. He was the first kid out the cinema door. I walked through the door as he held it, thanked him, and opened the next door for him. Several children walked through, but not Turner. I peered around the corner and saw him holding the door open for the traffic train pouring out of the cinema. So, I went back to the second door and held it open for others. Keep in mind, this was a free movie for children. There were grandparents there with seven and ten kids. Play groups. Moms with a small football team. The cinema was packed. Turner held the door until the last person walked through, and it took awhile. Then he walked to me with a huge smile on his face.

"That was pretty thoughtful Turner."

"Just holding the door open." We made our way toward the front door.

"How many folks said thank you?" I ask.

"Just one. A kid." No one said thank you as they passed by me.

"Wow."

"Oh, and you. You said thank you."

"I did."

"Yeah. That's really bad isn't it?"

"I noticed your good deed. And I think it was awesome."

"Yeah. And manners will get to anywhere, right?" This is what Andy and I continue to drill in his head. Good manners open lots of doors.