Reuniting with My Childhood Star Wars Companion Jar Jar Binks After 11 Years

The Journey to Reunite with My Childhood Companion

It's been over a decade since I've seen my beloved Jar Jar Binks. That goofy Gungan holds a special place in my heart. I won Jar Jar in a Pepsi contest when Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace came out in 1999. I was only 10 years old at the time, and that movie kickstarted my love for all things Star Wars. Jar Jar quickly became my confidant and adventure buddy as I played out scenes from the film in my bedroom. His floppy ears and wonky way of walking never failed to make me laugh.

When I left for college in 2012, I couldn't bear to part with Jar Jar. My parents volunteered to keep him safe at home until I got settled. One year turned into two, which turned into five, which somehow became over a decade. Every time I visited home, I'd feel a pang of guilt looking at Jar Jar sitting dutifully on a shelf in my childhood bedroom. He was exactly where I'd left him over 10 years ago.

The Decision to Bring Jar Jar Home

This past Christmas as I looked at Jar Jar's familiar grin, I knew it was time. Time to bring him home with me where he belongs. No more excuses or delays. Seeing how happy he made my little niece as she played with him only solidified my decision. Jar Jar was meant to bring joy and adventure, not collect dust on a shelf.

As 2023 dawned, I started preparing in earnest for Operation Bring Jar Jar Home. First I had to find a way to transport him safely. I decided my new Jeep Gladiator with its truck bed would be perfect. I could secure Jar Jar so he wouldn't get jostled during the 6 hour drive. The next step was finding a date that worked for both my schedule and my parents' schedule. I decided to aim for a weekend in late January when things were a bit slower at work.

Preparing for the Road Trip

The day finally arrived on January 20th. I double checked that I had packed plenty of snacks, downloaded an audiobook, and filled up my gas tank. I headed out early in the morning so I could take my time on the drive. As I went to lift Jar Jar into the truck, a wave of emotion came over me. I was finally bringing my childhood best friend home. It felt monumental, like I was closing a chapter. Jar Jar's big eyes seemed to light up as I nestled him snugly amidst blankets and pillows. It was time.

I said heartfelt goodbyes to my parents, thanking them for keeping Jar Jar safe all these years. As I pulled out of their driveway with Jar Jar riding shotgun, I couldn't help but smile. We were off on a grand adventure together, just like old times. I made sure to drive extra carefully, occasionally checking the rearview mirror to peek at my precious cargo.

The Journey Home

The first hour passed by quickly as Jar Jar and I got reacquainted. I pointed out landmarks and told him stories about my life since college. I knew my niece would adore him, and I couldn't wait for them to meet. Around hour three, I needed a break to stretch my legs and grab some lunch. I made sure Jar Jar was hidden securely under a blanket before going inside. Can't have any greedy Jawas trying to swipe him!

We continued our trek as the sun began to set. The amber light glinted off Jar Jar's eyes, making it look like he was glowing. He seemed peaceful and content. I realized this was the longest I'd ever spent alone with him since that fateful day I won him in 1999. Back then, I never could have imagined one day we'd be reunited and embarking on a grand road trip adventure together. It felt meant to be.

As I pulled into my driveway just after sunset, I let out an enormous sigh of relief. We had made it! I carefully lifted Jar Jar out of the truck bed and brought him inside. Welcome home, old friend. My journey was finally complete.

Reflecting on Reuniting with a Piece of My Childhood

Having Jar Jar Binks home with me has been surreal these past few weeks. So much has changed in my life since I was a starry-eyed 10 year old obsessed with The Phantom Menace. But Jar Jar remains exactly the same. His presence is a reminder to hold onto a sense of childlike joy and wonder, even as an adult. He represents nostalgia and nerdy passions that shaped me early on.

I love displaying Jar Jar prominently in my home office alongside other cherished fandom collectibles. He greets me each morning when I sit down to work, evoking memories of summer days spent playing pretend and saving the galaxy. Every time I look at him, I remember the dedicated Star Wars fan I was and still am deep down.

More than just a nostalgia trip, Jar Jar embodies lasting life lessons. He reminds me to approach life with enthusiasm, compassion, and an open heart. Jar Jar saw worth in everyone, even when others found him annoying or wrote him off. I want to better follow his example by accepting people's differences and looking for the good.

I'm so grateful to have Jar Jar Binks back in my daily life after more than a decade apart. Our serendipitous reunion proves it's never too late to retrieve a piece of your past. I plan to hold onto him for many more adventures to come.

Tips for Reuniting with Your Own Childhood Keepsake

Reuniting with a beloved object from your youth can be incredibly rewarding. Here are a few tips if you're considering bringing a keepsake home:

• Make sure you have adequate space to display it properly. You don't want your treasured item collecting dust in a closet.
• Get creative with transportation if needed. Special cargo may require some pre-planning.
• Take time to reminisce and share its history with loved ones.
• Capture the big moment on camera to memorialize it.
• Find ways to incorporate it into your daily life and let it spark joy.

No matter how silly or sentimental the keepsake, don't be shy about retrieving it if the time feels right. Embrace the nostalgia and chance to reconnect with a cherished object from your past.

FAQs

How did you get Jar Jar Binks in the first place?

I won Jar Jar Binks in 1999 from a Pepsi contest when The Phantom Menace first came out. He was a promotional prize for the movie release.

Why did you leave Jar Jar with your parents for over 10 years?

When I left for college in 2012, I didn't have room to bring Jar Jar with me. My parents offered to keep him safe until I got settled. Over the years, I just never got around to bringing him home.

What made you finally decide to reunite with Jar Jar?

Seeing my little niece play with Jar Jar at Christmas made me realize he needed to be with a child who could enjoy him. It was time to bring him home where he belongs.

Did you have any problems on the road trip bringing Jar Jar home?

Fortunately the 6 hour drive went smoothly. I was very careful transporting Jar Jar in my truck bed nestled among blankets and pillows.

How do you display Jar Jar Binks in your home now?

I proudly display Jar Jar in my home office alongside other cherished fandom collectibles. He brings me joy and reminds me of my lifelong love of Star Wars.