Into the Deep

Over the years, John and I have taken Mark to movie after movie. Moviegoing is one of the most normal experiences we have as a family. Mark loves a parent on each side of him, a big screen in front of him, and popcorn and an Icee in his hands. In the theater, we are all happy.

Only a few movies with Mark have been memorable. How to Train Your Dragon was the first one in which he seemed to have "typical" emotions of excitement, laughter, and fear at "the right times." He also loved Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. These movies were enjoyable for parents but were essentially exciting kids' movies.

Several years ago, when Mark was 14, In the Heart of the Sea was added to that short list. Inspired by the sinking of the whaling ship Essex in 1820, this biographical drama was a very grown-up film. Though it had big waves, big storms, and a big whale, it was dark and serious. Mark watched intently and seriously and seemed to grasp the gravity of the on-screen situation.

John and I were struck by how closely Mark watched and how much he seemed to enjoy the movie. Even as we walked out of the theater, Mark looked pensive. I inquired gently what he was thinking about.

He replied, "I'm thinking about the movie."

Mark often lives in the moment and yearns for gratification in the near future.

On that night, he watched a movie about something from the past, something monumental.

On that night we saw Mark reflect on something in his past.

And this was an epic event for us.