There is a story often told about me.  The story goes…

We were on our honeymoon, having just hit the Mexican border we were heading north through California on our way back to Bellingham to start our new life as married folks.  While I knew that in his long ago past Bradley had like Star Wars, I’d had no idea the breadth and depth that Lucas and his galaxy far far away had on my husband.  He had mentioned that there was a new Star Wars movie coming out, and had mentioned that he would probably want to see it, but I didn’t really pay attention.  I figured we would see it at the drive in.  Later.  Back at home.

We were headed out of the southern Californian heat and heading north when we stopped in a smaller town, surrounded by garlic fields, to camp for the night.  The town had a feisty little pub where we ate delicious portabello steaks and pub fries, and next door to the pub was a movie theater.  They were showing Episode I: The Phantom Menace.  Of course we went to see it.  There we were, the two of us, nestled together as the infamous scroll started with the crashing orchestra playing the Star Wars theme.  My husband’s anticipation and excitement were palpable – a NEW Star Wars movie!  new characters!  The saga begins…

But, if you are only going to see Star Wars because your new husband sincerely and shyly asked you to come along, it might not be as interesting.  I quickly got overwhelmed with the plethora of characters, their roles, deceptions, back stories…  Eventually I sat back and decided to just enjoy the visuals.  And then I closed my eyes so I could pay attention to the sound effects.  And then I fell asleep.  I awoke in time to see Anikin in the pod race but was fast asleep at the end when Bradley gently shook me awake.  It was time to go.  I apologized, he laughed and the story is a chapter in the tale of our lives, told over and over.

Things change, though.  I am surrounded by Star Wars fanatics, or as I lovingly call them, geeks.  For years I was inundated with names of planets and characters, alliances, ships and battles.   Names stuck and I could talk a little geekery.  Then along came Robot Chicken, the Star Wars specials (I don’t like other RC, it should be noted).  We laughed, we cried – with laughter, then we re-watched the episodes often enough, I am not ashamed to say, that we often quote lines from Robot Chicken to one another and sing the songs like they are radio hits.  But you can’t watch the parody without knowing that which is being parodied, so last summer I earnestly watched all six of the films.  While I differ with Bradley on the prequel/original trilogy argument, I have joined my family in their geekery and proudly wear my Star Wars geek badge.

So imagine our happiness when we found out that Lucas decided to release all six of the movies, in order, in 3D over the next six years.  Bradley thrilled at being able to share the Star Wars tradition of going to see the films in the theater with our kids.  On opening day we dressed up Gigi as Padme, dressed Jude in his Star Wars t-shirt and headed to the theater to see the magic of Episode One: The Phantom Menace 3D.  The movie was fine, the pod race is fun and no matter what anyone says, I think Jar Jar Binks is a hoot!  Regardless, though, we all had a fantastic time as a family, geeking out on Star Wars and carrying on a tradition that Daddy holds dear.

 


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