My dad and I have a somewhat strained relationship. We do
not agree on anything, and we both like to have the last word. Not a good
combination. Religion, politics and Harry
Potter (yes, I did say Harry Potter)
are all hot button issues with the two of us. Just a minor mention of the boy
wizard can send my father into an angry tirade about the evils of black magic. I’ve learned, over the years, there are
topics you just avoid when my dad is in the room. You don’t even joke about
certain things because the consequences could create a lot of tension, yelling
and eventual tears. It isn’t always easy, but I’ve also learned to just keep my
mouth shut and let go of my pride. I do not have to agree with him, but I do
not need the last word, either.
So, naturally, in 2009 when I found out J.J. Abrams had made
a new Star Trek movie, I was really
excited. I hadn’t really thought about Star
Trek since the last episode of Voyager.
And I really loved the new movie. I watched it over and over again. After it
came out on DVD, I bought it for my dad for Christmas, and we watched it
together. It made me feel nostalgic, and I experienced one of those rare
moments of connection with him. People talk about television like it’s this
terrible thing that’s rotting our brains, but I’ll gladly give up some brain
cells to have those peaceful moments with my father that are so rare and so
precious to me.
My Christmas present to my dad this year will be Star Trek: Into Darkness, and we will
watch it while I’m home, and it will be wonderful. (I was also thinking I might get him one of those "Trek Yourself Before Your Wreck Yourself" t-shirts.)