Part of Me

I’m just going to come right out and admit it here amongst friends.

I saw the Katy Perry movie on Friday, and I liked it.

I never expected to. My little darling tween, asked if she could see the movie and for the first time ever if she could bring her friend L. And when your child asks for the first time ever to bring a friend anywhere, you do it. You do it gladly. Even if it’s the Katy Perry movie. Even if it’s in 3-D. Of course you force your husband to go along too, because you shouldn’t have to be the only one to endure it. So Friday it was Riley, L., Seth, Todd and I with our 3-D glasses and a purse full of snuck in healthy snacks (cheese sticks, grapes, cashews, coconut water) gearing up to watch the show.

There were previews. Many previews, and to that I said, bring them on! I will preview all night, because the air conditioning was so delicious. I could have slept there. I could still be there, and I’d be happy. After one of the previews, Riley leaned in and whispered to Seth, “That looks good, but a little inappropriate for us.” It did look good. And it was a little inappropriate for them. Good call Riley.

Finally the show began. I always thought of Katy Perry as kind of a silly, bubble gum princess. Imagine my surprise to find our she’s a real person? And even more surprising, a real artist with integrity. Now I realize the Katy Perry movie is designed to make her look good, but I really did end up liking her. Of course what’s not to like about Firework, but there is much more there. She’s really a sweet person. And honestly, the world could use more silly. More bubble gum. More happy. And that’s what she gives her fans. She makes them happy.

Riley and her friend didn’t stop chitter-chattering about it the whole way home.

“That was awesome!”

“I feel like I was actually at the concert!”

“It was sooooo good!”

As we rode along toward home Riley turned to her brother and with deep sincerity said, “Seth, I really hope you are a famous performer one day. I hope you live out your dream.”

Todd and I met each other’s eye and quickly looked away, smiling. If as children either of us had expressed a dream to be a famous performer, (which let’s face it, it’s a dream every kid has) to our siblings we’d have been quickly put in our place and laughed out of the room. The sweetness of their relationship still amazes me.

Part of Me was way better than I expected and definitely worth seeing. There were parts both happy and sad that were so poignant, I felt my throat tighten up. Call me surprised.

Riley initiated a shared experience with a friend for the first time ever, and walked away from the experience feeling inspired. She is still talking about the movie.

That right there is worth the price of admission.

My name is Michelle O’Neil, and I like Katy Perry.