Goodbye Star Wars?

I read in a book that 8 year old boys go through tremendous changes as they approach 9. They have different wants and needs. Their priorities change and they eat 4 times the amount of food they did a year ago. I was ready for all of this. It was in the book.

But what about the changes in their interests? The interests that define their childhood, build common bonds and occupy hours of play time. The change happens over night, and without warning.

I remember a few years ago Connor decided he was through with Thomas the Tank Engine. I felt relieved. Frankly, I found the talking trains somewhat disturbing and the songs utterly annoying. We kept a few trains for sentimentality and Connor never looked back. He had watched Star Wars: A New Hope, with us and it took him where talking trains could not. Sure Diesel was mean but he was no Darth Vader. Watch Episode III and you realize an ill mannered train has nothing on a light saber wielding, General Grievous.

Now Star Wars is something that I can relate to. I am of the generation that saw the episodes in proper order, starting with 4, not 1. I remember the collective gasp in the movie theater when Darth Vader reveals the truth to the beleaguered Luke and I waited anxiously for the (disappointing) episode 6. I have enjoyed watching Connor relive the saga. We built a common bond, often debating which episode is best (Episode 5) while making up alternate endings for other episodes.

Connor has Star Wars posters, legos, games, action figures, transformers, and books that range from easy readers to the chapter books delving into the lives of Han and Leah (they get married and have children, one of whom goes to the dark side.). Our common love of Star Wars, left me unprepared for this latest growth spurt.

His room is to be painted Yankees blue with a Cowboy's accent wall. In preparation we started going through old decor and toys.

"Do you want this train photo?"

"No."

"This airplane model?"

"No"

"Even though it was the first one you and Dad built?"

Confused look.

"Never mind". The yard sale pile grew and grew.

"What about your Star Wars Action figures?"

"Get rid of them"

Silence.

"Are you sure?"

"yeah."

"How about if I put them up on the shelf in your closet for a while."

"Whatever".

More silence.

I don't know if I am ready for the young man I am raising to make his appearance but I see I have no choice. I put the action figures on his shelf, next to Thomas and Diesel, but I am saving them for me not him. They are a reminder for when I open the door and want to look back. Connor does not need to look back and I can't keep him here in the closet with me. He is moving forward on his own path embracing life and ready to take on it's the next adventure.