How Could We?

I know what you are thinking:   What on earth are those parents doing,  purchasing that many lightsabers for one four year old boy?  Are we trying to spoil him rotten?  Do we feel compelled to support like 5 Chinese families?  Surely this is American excess at it's worst. Have we no shame?  How could we? 

Well, tonight's dialogue should explain a lot.  Over dinner, the following ensued:

Alden: "Dad, I have a great idea!" (Eyes twinkling, happy, innocent.)

Dad: "What is it, Aldy?"

Alden: "We can go to Smith's and buy me another Obi-Wan Kenobi Force Action Lightsaber! Yeah, wouldn't that be great?!"

Dad: "Alden, we can't buy you another one, you already have that one."

Alden:  (Big brown eyes slightly crestfallen, but determined) "Dad, TRUST ME.  We have to buy it."

Dad:  "Bud, we can't.  Why do we have to buy you another light saber?"

Alden: (Bigger brown eyes, almost tearing up, and voice very, very soft) "Because if we don't"  (pause, half sob) "my heart will be broken."

Keegan: (who observed the whole exchange) "Oh, isn't Aldy cute?"

Now what is a guy supposed to do about that?  In my defense, I still did not cave in, but it cost me about an hour of heavy duty lightsaber dueling in the playroom.  Still, I'm certain this collection is destined to grow.  I mean, look at how happy he is here, and just shoot me now -- or run me through with a light saber (your choice).