As for me…

My family were reluctantly persuaded to accompany me to see the theatrical release of Star Wars in 1977. That day became one of personal growth for me, as well.

Like so many fans, the sight of massive ships moving through space as if passing overhead from behind, was enthralling. With the appearance of a Princess, a droid who (yes, “who”) somehow made himself understood through tweetles and beeps, and the menacing Darth Vader sealed the deal.

I was hooked.

At some point fairlyy early in the movie I remember gazing to my right, hoping to share my excitement. My family members were all asleep. Later, they complained that the movie was “too loud.”

It was an unforgettable day. Although I have seen A New Hope many times since, that first experience with the Star Wars galaxy remains crystal clear. It was the day my imagination truly opened to the expanse of the universe. I realized that life’s possibilities were, in fact, endless.

My family? They still think that Star Wars is too loud and that I’m “the strange one”, but every now and then, one of them gives me a Star Wars gift for my birthday.