For those of you who do not know, Thursday marks the opening of Star Wars: Episode III, the last installment in George Lucas' epic saga about the rise and fall of Darth Vader. This is a big day in my life as I have waited patiently for almost 30 years for it to be over. The first movie came out when I was 5 years old. I have joked that my childhood was directed by George Lucas and the soundtrack of my life was composed by John Williams. The movies over the years have had a great affect on me. As a child I struggled as hard as I could to be as cool as Han Solo. As a teenager I searched frantically for a girlfriend who was as sassy and down to earth as Princess Leah. I began each knew year in school looking for a teacher with the patience of Obi Wan and the wisdom of Yoda. I often moved to desolate places where I felt trapped just as Luke felt on Tatooine. I tried to get past the bullies who wanted my lunch money by using the Jedi Mind Trick. I went through a few hard years, as you all know, when the power of the Dark Side tempted me with great power, wealth and a more interesting (if not more monochromatic) wardrobe. But when that path revealed itself to lead only to corruption and pain I again studied the ways of the force and became a Jedi (I mean preacher) like my father.

With the opening of this final movie, the end of an era is being ushered in. I remember once telling someone (quite dramatically I might add) that I had to stay alive long enough to find out what happens in the final chapter of the Star Wars series. With that time at hand, I begin worrying about my future. What will I have to look forward to? The re-release of the special edition 25 disc DVD box set? The 3D version that is said to be in the works for the 30th anniversary celebration of the original release? The spin off television series that is slated for the fall 2006 season? These are mere trivial pursuits. They will not sate my need for droids, banthas, and Tuscan Raiders... Sure there are some things that George Lucas could have done better. The kid who played Anakin in Episode I was one of the lowest points in the Saga. The dialogue in the love scenes written by Lucas were almost embarrassing in their simplicity when compared to the witty flirtations written by Lawrence Kazdan for Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. And the most horrific 3 words in the Star Wars Universe... "Jar Jar Binks." Just the name make me cringe. But I am loyal in spite of these set backs.

I remember a sad moment of weakness when I thought I needed to grow up at the age of 10. I was in the back yard in Allendale with my BB Gun, some fire works and my Star Wars collection. In my own dramatic style I was putting my childhood to death by firing squad. I lined up my action figures and shot them each with my BB Gun. I blew up my Millennium Falcon, my X-wing Fighter and my Slave 1 ships with cheap cherry bombs. Well now I am 32 years old and the magic is almost over. I want that childhood back. Besides you know what those toys would be worth now??

Thursday night, do not try to call me at home... I won't be there. Do not try to email me... I won't answer. Do not try to find me... I will not be around. I will be somewhere a long time ago in a galaxy far far away... reliving my childhood, for the last time... ...Until the new Indiana Jones Movie comes out!