Star Wars!

I haven’t posted anything of a personal nature lately so I thought this would be as good a time as any.

My son Chris was supposed to play in his final baseball tournament at Northfield High School on Saturday but it got rained out. In discussing our options, we decided to to see the newly released Star Wars movie. Chris had originally wanted us to go at the special 12:01 a.m. showing but I told him I didn’t think I could make it through the end and at the time, I thought we would be getting up early Saturday for his tournament. (as good as excuse as any I guess)

We made the 3:00 p.m. showing here in Northfield. We got comfortable and got ready for the finale. Sitting there, I thought back to the the time I saw the first Star Wars. I was working as a field agent for GMAC – the finance folks for General Motors out of Corpus Christi, Texas in the mid-1970’s. I happened to be staying that night in Victoria, Texas and since I had become accustomed to living out of a suitcase during the week, it seemed like a good idea to go see the movie that night.

That was over 30 years ago: and now here I was sitting next to my 15 year old enjoying the last of the Star Wars saga. Last year about this time, Chris and I went to an Eric Clapton concert in St. Paul. There had been about a 30 year gap between my Clapton concerts as well. I do remember that Clapton seems to have aged faster that I have..of course that might be my ego talking too.

I’ve noticed as of late that different things can trigger memories that I’ve long since forgotten and with the memories comes the emotions, both good and bad, and a bundle of other thoughts and associations as well. I happened to get an email from my kid sister who still lives in Corpus. Her kids are now out of the house and in college. Hard to imagine: time moves so quickly.

Chris had his first practice for summer baseball this afternoon. On the way to the high school, I commented that school would soon be out for the year. Chris mentioned how fast the year had gone. I had to agree. A year ago, I was wrapping up my three months at the FBI National Academy, getting ready for finals and a June 11th graduation. Seems like yesterday and yet longer than a year. Chris and I agreed that we have to make this summer count. I made a mental note that when I got home to go into my study, shut the door and turn on the TV loud and shout happy exhortations that my 15 year old was still interested in spending time with his parents. If the next six years go by as fast as the last, he will soon be out of high school and midway through college.

Our six years in Northfield have been quite enjoyable for the most part. It’s been a good place for our kids to get older (their parents as well). I’d like to think that my time here has been a positive one in working for positive change in how we police and work with the community. I don’t know what the next six years will bring, but regardless, we have enjoyed our time in Northfield just the same.

About Gary Smith

Chief Smith has served over 31 years in the criminal justice field. He is currently a consultant assisting public and private organizations better establish community goals and ethical conduct with the members of their organizations. Chief Smith serves as a facilitator, lecturer, professor and other capacities both inside and outside the criminal justice field.
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