"What's your earliest memory?"
That's the innocuous question I was asked almost in passing. I didn't give it much thought at the time. Matter of fact, I forgot all about it. Later, as I was getting ready for bed, I was surprised it came back to me. So I wondered, what was my earliest memory? How far back can I really remember? I drifted off to sleep with this question mulling about in my mind. All of a sudden I sat straight up in bed. It had come to me.
May 25, 1977.
That's the innocuous question I was asked almost in passing. I didn't give it much thought at the time. Matter of fact, I forgot all about it. Later, as I was getting ready for bed, I was surprised it came back to me. So I wondered, what was my earliest memory? How far back can I really remember? I drifted off to sleep with this question mulling about in my mind. All of a sudden I sat straight up in bed. It had come to me.
May 25, 1977.
I was a little kid sitting in a Texas movie theater waiting for Star Wars to begin. I had spent the entire morning collecting bottles and returning them to the store so I would have enough money to afford the movie AND popcorn. I remember the feeling of excitement and the salty popcorn. I swear I can smell the popcorn just thinking about it. I remember the moment the lights went out, and for a second I felt my heart beating so hard in my chest I was afraid I was going to be sick. I remember sucking in my breath and staring straight at the screen.
Then, it began.
Then, it began.
I held onto the feelings Star Wars gave me. I held them close and would dream the same dream millions of other kids had after experiencing A New Hope. That's what it gave me. Hope. I had a terrible childhood filled with pain and abuse. I would disappear into my Star Wars memories and wouldn't feel so afraid and alone. This movie provided this scared and hurting child an escape from it all. I wanted to be a part of that world so badly.
It also gave me friends. We would play Star Wars most of the day and into the night, until the porch lights would come on signaling it was time to go home. All the other kids would pretend they were a Jedi and I would happily be a stormtrooper. I would pew-pew my way around trees and run and chase the rebel scum. These are my happiest memories, and somehow it had slipped my mind until last night.
So, to answer the question, what is my earliest memory: My earliest memory was the moment I became a stormtrooper.
So, to answer the question, what is my earliest memory: My earliest memory was the moment I became a stormtrooper.
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