I can’t believe that it was 30 years ago that Star Wars was released. I can’t say that I have a whole lot to say, but it’s still important enough to me that it deserves a mention. It was 30 years ago that I began to imagine a galaxy far, far away. It was 30 years ago that I can recall specific childhood memories. I can’t say that Star Wars changed my life or inspired me to become who I am, but I do know that it was that film that introduced me to the idea of sci-fi, fantasy, and myth that I still enjoy to this day.

The one thing that most amazes me is watching Carter and his love for the same types of things. He watched Star Wars for the first few times at the baby sitter’s house when he was around 2 years old. Now, at almost 4 he can name as many characters as I could when I was his age. It’s an amazing thing, to feel like you are watching your childhood repeat itself.

However, 30 years ago there were no DVDs. There were no VCRs. Perhaps that’s why I saw the movie seven times in the theater. We take for granted that we can watch these movie whenever we want, but 30 years ago, it was something special to watch Star Wars. I think that is the one feeling that I still carry today.

No matter how many times I watch the DVDs or the re-release in the theater (why didn’t they re-release it for the anniversary?), or it shows up on HBO, I’ll never have that feeling again. I’m not saying that in sadness. It’s a good memory. I still remember the first time I saw Jill (my wife). I still remember the first time I saw Carter (our son). I still remember the first time we started the 1970 Chevelle my Dad and I built and I still remember how it felt watching Star Wars 30 years ago and that’s a good feeling.

Star Wars is seldom on my mind these days. There are more important things, like family, work and the new house, that take up my time. Having said that, I think sometime this holiday weekend Carter and I (and Jill is she wants to) may have to curl up together and watch Star Wars.