Loved the latest update on the blog. Oh yes, I have many pleasant memories of Star Wars and you and Scott. The first Star Wars movie we saw (it was at the old Gulfgate Theatre) still ranks up there as an all time favorite movie of mine. I do indeed remember all the Star Wars goodies you guys got one Christmas. It seems between your mom and dad, Paul and I, and the grandparents, you guys had at least one of everything. I am sure it cannot possibly mean as much to your child as it did to you. It was, after all, introducing something new to the American culture. The saber lights, however, remain a fascination with teens like Ashleigh and Jay, so I know there will no doubt be some enchantment and aura surrounding the whole Star Wars myth for your child(ren) as well. Fantasy is part of every child’s makeup, and yours will be no different. Whether Star Wars will reign number one for them or whether some other Harry Pottereque hero will take first place remains to be seen.

I agree wholeheartedly with the fact that 3 years old is a few years too young to introduce a child to fantasy with that much violence. I remember Lindsey having nightmares over simple little things until she hit the ripe old age of 7 or 8. Do you remember when Ashleigh was 2 or 3 and would hide her eyes from things that frightened her – even the dragon at the Chinese restaurant on FM 1960?

Each child develops at his or her own pace, and as parents you will find your child’s comfort zone rather early on. You will be “hands on” parents and it does not take long to clue in to what they fear and what they like. So hold on to the dream that you can share your love of Star Wars. He or she may not hold the same degree of adoration, but they will no doubt appreciate certain aspects of the lore, and that will be a building block for shared experiences – until, that is, they reach those wonderful teen years and everything about you will seem dated, stogy and old fashioned. Then somewhere after that freshman year of college (or maybe age 30 – who knows!) you will once again become their confidant, friend and occasional semi-hero.

I will have to keep my eyes peeled for something Star Wars for Junior or Junior-ette.

Mom