This is why I costume.

The Most Beautiful Ruined Moment (Sharon Kay Edwards)

The writer of that post wrote an open letter to a Disney cast member who helped her after rain ruined her autistic son’s chance of fighting Darth Vader at the Jedi Training Academy. Read the whole thing.

I have no way of knowing whether this cast member is Rebel Legion or 501st when he’s not being a Jedi at Disney World, but his attitude reminds me of the 501st and Rebel Legion members I know.

This story is a reminder to me of why I got into this hobby in the first place. There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up when they get to meet their favorite character. To that child, you are Darth Vader, or Princess Leia, or Supergirl. I loved doing Rebel Legion events and meeting young female Star Wars fans—they were always so excited to meet Padmé, Leia, and female Jedi like Barriss or Ahsoka. Most of the time, the kids know the characters better than their parents do.

There has been so much drama in the costuming community lately. Even though this happened at Disney World, I know so many people who would have done what that cast member did. (I mean, remember the Flash and Wonder Woman costumers who helped the lost boy?) It’s nice to be reminded that beyond the pettiness, the egoes, and the judgmental jerks are the kids who just want to fight Darth Vader or high-five Batman.