Today while visiting Shiloh Battlefield I was really excited to see their new film in the visitors center that replaced the depressingly outdated one that they had been showing since the 1950's. I'm sure that there were quite a few purists that were upset that the old film was scrapped but honestly it was pretty laughable even though I'm certain it was a labor of love for those who made it.
Anyway, as I was sitting there waiting for the film to begin a little kid that was at most 5 or 6 ran in with his grandparents. To be perfectly honest I was secretly praying the kid would not sit anywhere close by because I have had many a movies be spoiled by crying or talking kids.
They sat down right behind me and I was easily charmed by the little guy's sheer enthusiasm. He had the map out and was excitedly pointing to all the places they would go to on the battlefield. In his ultra thick southern accent he kept asking "Paw can we go here?". His grandfather just smiled and nodded each time, obviously enjoying the boys happiness. When the film began he got so excited that he practically bounced out of his chair.
After the movie I saw all of them again in the museum exhibit area. As if the kid's energy was not already infectious enough, the little guy was wearing a smaller matching version of his grandfather's boots and clomping around in them looking at all the guns and other artifacts.
I never saw them again on the actual battlefield but I can pretty much guarantee that he wore his grandparents out. I am also sure that when the grandfather goes to bed tonight, he will do so with a big smile on his face knowing that he shared a memory that the little boy will resonate with him the rest of his life.
