Today I got to see the new Star Wars movie with my husband and children, MIL, and perhaps coolest of all, with my father, the guy took me to very first Star Wars movie…a long long time ago in a galaxy far away.

As I get older these moments with Dad become ever precious.  He’s still my hero.  Yes, he grumbles.  Yes, he can be horribly inappropriate and we disagree on major points of philosophy.  We fight.  We’re both opinionated as hell.  I’m way too much like him actually: way too naturally cynical and prone to drama.  I drive him a little crazy I’m sure!   

But he’s my dad, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for me, and I am old enough to greedily want any moments of his time he is able to spare…even if it requires bribing him with movie tickets or dinner. 

It’s not always easy to accept those we love as they are, where they stand, good and bad.  But life is a lot sweeter when we can, and if we are smart enough to realize it we waste a lot less precious, precious time.

And watching my son sit on Papa’s lap during the scarier louder parts…that’s a memory I wouldn’t trade for the world and a blessing I won’t soon forget.

May the Force be with you and yours tonight and may you hold them closely.