I have a confession. I wasn’t always into this geeky sci-fi thing. In fact, I remember the first time my husband took me to meet his 501^st friends. I hid in the car doing schoolwork while his friends practiced a fan fiction script with light sabers and costumes in the parking lot. I was horrified.

Today, I’d be more likely to just join in.

I used to think I was above all that.

I had been tricked into marrying a geek. He did not share his dark side with me until after I agreed to marry him.

Now I know the truth. Those men and women had something I was missing.

It was not just the force that was strong with them: it was friendships, compassion, and a joy for life.

I was slowly won over to the darkside. I never did fall in love with the Star Wars movies but I did fall for the community that surrounded them. The people I have met are authentic and kind. They put their bucket helmets on for sick children, for toys for tots, to raise money for medical bills, to grant wishes, and to spread smiles.

Over time this group of people have become very dear to me. They bring out a side of my husband that is fun and relaxed in the midst of military life. They showered us with kindness during our daughter’s cancer treatments at St. Jude (dedicating a red buggy at the hospital in her name and later “Darth Vader” gave a $1000 in her name). And they have become close friends.

I love who they are and how they’ve accepted a recovering snob like me. While I haven’t succumbed completely they have slowly converted me into a Trekky and Whovorian. Had they reached me sooner our children would have names likes Han, River, and Rose. For now we’ve had to settle with naming the pets Padme and Wicket.

The thing I love the most about this group, specifically the 501^st, is their compassion for others. They have taken something they love and they use it to make a difference. They dress up as their heros and bring smiles to sick children. They give up their weekends and collect toys and fund for those in need.

They bring joy and laughter to our day just by loving life.

Do you have a hobby? How do you use it to bring joy to others? Share in the comments below.