Altho not entirely Star Wars related, sharing this story means the world to me. My oldest son Cade is 2 and a half, and I recently took him to his first Comic Con. This will be a memory that stays with me forever and one of the happiest days of my life.
For months prior I hyped my Son up by reading him comics and watching movies and shows that featured the various charecters I knew we would see. Besides Star Wars my son and I share a deep love for Captain America and ” are we gonna see Captain?” was heard around my house hundreds of times in the weeks leading up to Comic Con. My heart swelled with pride every time I heard him say it. We prepared by getting my son a Captain America T shirt to Match Dad’s and reading a graphic novels based on Cap’s origin story over and over.
When the day finally arrived we packed all our snacks gear and toys up and set off for the Amazing Arizona Comic Con. On the ride to the Convention center it was unclear wich one of us was more full of child like excitement. From the very moment we walked up to the line and my son got his first sight of Cosplayers it became clear to me that very little of this day would be about what I experienced but rather about the joy of watching him experience it.
We made a pass around the outside of the Convention floor and headed to the picture area where the Cosplayers were posing with fans. The first Cosplayer to approach my son was an Umbrella Corp Swat Trooper from Resident Evil. Without thinking I plopped Cade on the mans knee and backed up to take a picture. The look of fear and confusion on my Son’s face made it clear I was rushing him a bit and he needed some time to get used to his surroundings. I cannot say enough for the kindness and patience that the Cosplayers showed to us as we made our way around to meet the many Charecters on the floor. The most priceless moment happened when my Son posed with Thor and was staring at him with biggest eyes I have ever seen!
I took pictures of Cade with Darth Vader and Stormtroopers, Captain America, Thor, Judge Dredd, Deadpool and many more. One of the greatest moments to witness was the look of confusion on my Son’s face as we were eating lunch. He was sitting and eating his PB and J when Thor and the Green Arrow came out of the cafeteria with Corn Dogs and Pop. His expression as he watched them put mustard and ketchup on their food made my day!
As we made our way through the Artists and Vendors I had the honor of watching my Son’s pure joy as he was introduced to so many new charecters and stories. I had the chance to see the same love of fantasy and adventure that makes me who I am begin to grow in him.
These experiences are what make all of our fandoms so foundational to our lives. The pure simple joy and love we share for these worlds and stories hold so much power. This keeps us young, connects us to our children, and introduces us to so many great friends.
I encourage everyone who takes the time to read this to savor every opportunity you are given to get down on a childs level and share in their pure wonder. It is the most beautiful thing this world has to offer.
Thank you as always for taking the time to read my blog.
May the Force be With You
-Cody Lee-