Rebuilding Rob

Yesterday, Kid 2 and I went I my local multiplex to see Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. The movie was release this month to come out right the 25th anniversary of the original release of the film. And of course, as yesterday was May 4, or “Star Wars day“, it just seemed appropriate.

I’ve made no secret of my love for this franchise. Likewise, I’ve made no secret of the fact that episode one is one of my least favorite movies of the saga. but as I told kid to yesterday, we could easily stream this on Disney+. But the fact is, this movie was made to be seen on a big screen. At that, and I don’t believe that kid has ever seen any of the Star Wars movies in a theater.

I’ve probably watched the movie a few hundred times myself. Or at least a few dozen. So I spent a good portion of the time in the theater watching kid reaction to the movie. For the first hour, he sat there in silence glued to the screen. As much as I was enjoying the movie myself, I think I was enjoying watching him enjoy it even more.

It’s moments like that I really feel the magnitude of being a father. Not just getting to experience something that you like with your kids; rather seeing that same level of awe and fascination on your kids’ face that you yourself experienced decades before. There’s really nothing like it in the world. I always go back to the immensely powerful quote from Superman: The Movie and Superman Returns…

You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son.

In that moment, I felt closer to The Old Man. I remember when my brother, sister, and I went to game one of the 2006 World Series with him. As much as each of us wanted to be there, because we were so excited to see the Tigers make it to the World Series, my dad was even more excited about the fact that he was able to take his kids to a World Series game.

Remember at one point in the middle of the game leaning over my dad and saying “OK dad. Who’s winning this thing?“

“I don’t care.” he said. “I got my kids to a World Series game. That’s all that matters.” And even though the Tigers lost in 06, getting there really was all that mattered.

I’m still pissed that the Tigers blew that one. Don’t get me wrong, And i’m not trying to equate going to a Star Wars movie with attending a World Series game; certainly not The Phantom Menace.

Maybe The Empire Strikes Back, but you get the point…

Thanks for stopping by Rebuilding Rob. Be sure to like, comment and subscribe to my blog below. It’s greatly appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on social media as well! Check out my most recent posts as well as some earlier, related posts:

• A Different Kind of Opener: Comfort, Cost, and Connection
• Loyalty: The Two-Way Street and the Short Leash
• From Atlas to the Red Fist: Why the Detroit Tigers’ New Kit Inspired My Own
• Wait, we’re the same age?
• Rob Reviews: Daredevil: Born Again, episodes 2.2 and 2.3

The article “The Son Becomes the Father…” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.