Stars Wars is rooted both in the past and in the presented. Episode 4 - A New Hope was released in 1977. I was born in 1980. My parents were not Star Wars fans so I did not watch the original trilogy as a child, but you cannot grow up in the 80's in the United States and not know about Star Wars.

As an adult, I watched the first 6 episodes within about a 2 week period in preparation for the release of the most recent trilogy. My wife and I laughed out loud as we watched episode #4. The advanced special effects of the day left me a bit unimpressed, but I pressed on. As we watched episode #5 and #6 we noticed that the budget increased, which made a noticeable improvement in the special efforts and story. We were living out our childhood for the first time as adults.

On Friday, May 4th, 2018 ("may the 4th be with you"), we introduced as daughters to this epic and nostalgic cinematic event. The movie was received well and we look forward to watching Episode #5 (The Empire Strikes Back) later this evening.

Here are some of the most memorable comments/reactions while we watched together:

• Child #1 - "It made my heart pitter patter."
• Child #2 - "Yeah, it was cool."
• Child #3 - a constant barrage of what was their name, where are they at, what are they called questions.
• Child #4 - she wanted to stay close because she was a bit scared.
• Child #5 - she is four and it was past her bedtime, so she dozed off.

I am reliving my childhood for the second time as my children are exposed to films from my youth for the first time. It is less about the movie and more about time together as a family. It is less about the entertainment and more about the discussions we will now have as a family. It is less about "the force" and more about how humanity is connected and how some of us choose the good side while others choose the bad.

Take every moment, both the large and the small, to invest in the future of your children. Find opportunities in the daily, mundane parts of life to teach lasting, life-changing lessons. Don't be like Darth Vader and cut off your son's hand (spoiler alert, oops too late). Nurture your kids so that they can grow and embrace the call on their lives.

@SuamtraNate

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