Star Wars Returns

It has started again! Star Wars fever has invaded our home! With the opening of the new animated Star Wars movie, my boys have gone Star Wars crazy all over again. Today, I had five young Jedis with their light sabres in my front yard batting to save the universe.

On Sunday PM, after receiving their allowances, the boys wanted to go to Target (where else?) to check out all of the new Star Wars action figures. A very nice looking young man came into the section. He appeared to be in his mid-20’s and well dressed…outwardly, he looked like a grad student or a stockbroker. He did not look strange in any way…he did not breathe heavily like Darth Vader nor wear a long brown robe like a Jedi knight. I figured he was there to purchase a gift for a nephew or something. He said to the boys…”I hope that Stars Wars does not take over your life like it has mine.” This should have been my first warning that perhaps something was amiss and the boys had that “stranger danger” look on their face. He proceeded to roll up his sleeve and show us a tattoo…apparently, it was some Star Wars symbol. The boys were now looking at him like he was a freak and I was speechless. He proceeded to pull up his shirt and show us a tattoo on his upper back. Son #1 ran to the end of the aisle and Son #2 told him that the symbol was not from Star Wars...I think the words “you big freaky man” were implied in his statement. I just wanted him to go away before he decided to show us any other body art he may have on other parts of his body. The only thing I could come up with is…”I guess I should be glad that my boys are only interested in action figures.” At that point, I would have promised to buy my boys any action figures they wanted just to get out of the store!

When we got to the car, I thought it was a good idea to debrief the situation with the boys…

• Regarding the whole concept of stranger danger…even though we were in Target (the happiest place on earth), it is still not a good idea to talk to strangers. Mommy was being polite, but the boys did a good job of staying away from the stranger.
• Never, under any circumstances are the boys to get Star Wars body art. Perhaps, when they are 18 they can think about it, but they will have to weigh it against the wrath of their father and any impact it may have on future inheritances.
• Most importantly, in my mind, it is never appropriate to lift your shirt in public…it just is not polite.

May the force be with you!