Let's go to the Movies!

Trina & Grandma Chan, sporting the 3D glasses

This past Friday was my Maternal Grandma's 84th Birthday. I had already planned on spending the day with her and taking her out to lunch, but Thursday morning, I called her with a radical idea:

I asked her if she would like it if I took her out to see a movie for her birthday. :)

In all my years, I can't remember my Grandma (or Grandpa) ever going out to see a movie in a theater. They were always happy watching TV at home, and later, watching movies on their TV through VHS tapes or DVDs. I'm sure that they thought going out to a movie theater was too much of a hassle and too expensive.

Earlier this week, I went out to see "How to Train Your Dragon" in 3D with a friend of mine in San Francisco. I really liked it, and it struck me that this was a movie that my Grandma would really enjoy. Plus, the 3D was really neat, and I thought she'd get a kick out of it.

So, I asked Grandma what she thought of the idea, and I didn't really know what she would say. She had already heard about the movie, and was excited to see it! I also invited my parents to come with us, as they were already planning to have lunch with us, and they wanted to see the movie, too.

So, Friday late morning, we met up with my parents for an early lunch, then went over to the movie theater together.

The moment that we stepped into the theater's lobby is one I won't forget: It had been so many years since my Grandma had been in a theater, that as soon as she walked in, she stopped, and looked around in amazement. Imagine how different movie theaters are now from what they were like in Stockton a few decades ago!

We figured my Grandma may not have been to see a movie in a theater since perhaps the 1950s, 1960s at the latest. She asked me if they still showed double features, sneak previews, or new reels.

I tried to think of some of the differences that had happened since she'd last been: commercials before the movie, movie previews, stadium seating, and much improved 3D technology. :)

The whole experience was pretty magical, I think, for both of us. She really enjoyed the movie, and I enjoyed sharing it with her. This may be the start of something new that we do together! :)


Grandma, Mom and Dad!

One other funny note of the day: I treated my Grandma and both of my parents to the movie. I thought it was really funny that all 3 of them qualified for the Senior Discount! So, yes, that was 1 adult, and 3 senior tickets! :)