It’s Stitch Day! Yes, the date is 6/26, which was Stitch’s name before Lilo found him… Experiment 626. But of course you know that! Over the years, 626 Day has really caught on and become a Disney holiday if you will, with merch, treats and more! Disney movies have a way of making us feel good and quite emotional at times. Ok, I admit that I cry during most Disney movies, like so many of you. That being said, I started thinking about the movie Lilo and Stitch, and why exactly it has a special place in my heart. Let’s discuss!
Lilo and Stitch was released on June 21, 2002. At the time, my older son had just turned one. I had already taken him to Disney World about a month and a half prior, which wasn’t shocking to anyone I know! Gotta start them early, right? I know as a child, I loved Disney Movies. The first Disney movie I remember seeing in the theater with my mom was Lady and the Tramp. It was a rerelease and I loved it. Now I had my own child to start a tradition with! I remember seeing all the previews and such for Lilo and Stitch before it opened, and I thought about taking my son to see it. Yes, I know he was only 1, and I knew he wouldn’t remember it, but it was the first Disney movie that opened since he was born! I couldn’t help myself! The Disney Fan inside me took over, and I took the baby to the movies.
We got to the theater, and there were a lot of kids there. Kids of all ages, so I didn’t feel so bad. I didn’t even know if my son would sit during the movie, or if we’d make it through the whole thing without having to leave. I had my over-sized purse loaded with a bottle, baby snacks, etc. I was prepared. The theater lights dimmed, and Lilo and Stitch began. From the beginning of the song “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” my son’s eyes lit up and his little hands bounced with excitement to the music. He was in awe. Granted, he loved music from basically the time he was born, but this was a little different. The sounds and sights just surrounded him, and he really took it all in. I worried that he would get fussy or bored when the music stopped and the talking began, but he didn’t. When Lilo was teaching Stitch to be a “model citizen” and the Elvis music started up, he began the smile and bounce all over again. It was so sweet. Half way through the film, my baby boy fell asleep. I enjoyed watching the rest of the movie though. All in all a good experience. Something I’ll always remember and hold close to my heart.
My “baby” is grown up now. Does he remember his first movie going experience? No. Well, yes and no I should say. He doesn’t remember sitting in the theater, in awe of the movement and music. He does however, still love the movie Lilo and Stitch. He tells me he has always loved that movie, but doesn’t know why. I know why. Is it possible that the “magic” of Disney can get to us at any age? I think it’s possible. I wanted to start him off right, I had hoped he would love Disney, and I couldn’t wait until he was older to give it a go. Was it silly of me? Maybe. Do I regret it? Not one bit. History repeated itself when I took my second son with us to see The Incredibles when he was a baby too. He still loves that movie.
The whole back premise, if you will, of Lilo and Stitch is about family. Everyone who has seen the movie remembers “Ohana” and what it means…. family. The movie really does have a sweet undertone to it. While the music is wonderful, and parts of the story are funny, the meaning behind it all is still a good one. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some conventional, some not so much, but togetherness is the main theme. Also that blood doesn’t always make you family, which is something the boys and I know about firsthand.
Things went full circle last summer. My grown up boy treated me to a movie, the live action version of Lilo and Stitch. I took him all those years ago, now he was taking me. I held back tears from the time we got to the theater, even waiting for popcorn and then finding a seat. The movie started and I may have shed a tear or two. During the film I would peek at him out of the corner of my eye, seeing him enjoy himself made me so happy. Once it was over, I went into the bathroom and cried my eyes out in the stall. Like, ugly cried. Sigh. Being a mom is tough at times. When the boys were little everyone would tell me what to expect at different ages and phases, that’s common. What no one warns you about, is when your kids grow up and you have to learn to let go a bit. It’s not easy whatsoever. You look at these big kids and still see your baby, it’s the strangest, hardest feeling. I don’t care if my boys are taller than me… yep, they’ll always be my babies. Disney has helped me with achieving so many memories when it comes to my kiddos. From movies to the parks, I will always cherish them all.
“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten.”
You may also enjoy- Celebrate 626 Day with Exclusive Stitch Merchandise at Disney Store
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