It was a hot summer day. I’d been standing in line for what seemed like forever. Fidgeting, sweating, aching and worst of all, bored. My father, taking pity on me, cheerily said “how about a toy?!” My face lit up, suddenly full of energy and enthusiasm. We ran to Gimbles while my mother held our place in line.

Never the girly-girl, I chose a ray gun with “lights and sound action.” I remember my dad’s smile as I determinedly (and noisily) shot up the bad guys with perfect aim. We ran back across the street. And finally, the line began to move.

I sat in my seat with my popcorn, soda, candy and trusty “blaster by my side.” I remember hearing something about “Dolby sound” and then the most amazing music. I read the crawl. I was always a good reader. “Hmm, that sounds scary.”

The massive ship passed overhead, looming, dangerous, noisy, huge. It took forever. My heart raced as I panicked for the safety of that tiny ship. I’ll never forget it.

Later …

What? A princess with a gun? She’s saving them? She’s in charge? Well all right!

Princess Leia was my hero. Definitely an example to follow.

Seeing her on that screen running, fighting, saving and intelligently commanding those “big boys” meant that I could do it too.

Thank you, Carrie, for showing us all the true meaning of nobility.

The Force will be with you, always.

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