We spent this last weekend at one of my favorite places, the Kennedy Space Center. It’s been several years since my last visit, which was well before they retired all the space shuttle orbiters. After spending five years chasing a shuttle launch I finally caught the final launch of all, Atlantis, July 8, 2011. Atlantis is now at home at Kennedy and I was anxious to see her once again.
I had heard from my son, Ben, that the exhibit was excellent and quite moving, but even with that intro I wasn’t quite prepared for the emotional impact it had on me. I’m not sure why we get choked up about the things we do. They are different for everyone, and why something moves us and not another I don’t really know. Sometimes it’s linked to a memory from childhood, or a connection with a parent, perhaps a desire that has always burned within us to be a part of that something. It’s a mystery, but for me manned space exploration has carried me with it, even though my feet have never left the ground.
I am in awe of the men and women who are able to set aside personal fear, or perhaps driven by it, and not only voluntarily strap themselves to a rocket that hurls them toward the stars at 18,000 mph, but compete for the privilege to do so! The shuttle missions may be over, but it’s not the end. It is just the beginning. Orion is being born and it won’t be long till we are on our way again. I will be there. I will always be there.
My daughter-in-law, Becky, was anxious to see my reaction as we entered the building where Atlantis waited. If emotion is what she wanted, she would not be disappointed. The music sparked a catch in my throat, the blast off mural on the wall triggered tears, and we weren’t even to doors of the exhibit yet.
For those of you who have not yet seen it, but plan to, I will not be the one to spoil your experience with details here. Let it be enough for me to say that at every pause, my anticipation built, and along with it my excitement. I could feel it in my blood. It was as if electricity coursed through my veins! And then…there it was!
Atlantis! An old friend had come home! No…Becky was not disappointed. I cried!
So cool! Nice job conveying how you felt too. 🙂 You’re right that some experiences just touch us for life. Glad you got to see it.
Thank you Martha. Hope you get to see it too next time you’re in Florida.
Well you successfully put tears in my eyes. Your a great writer when you can build emotion in your readers.
I’m glad I was able to move you in such a short piece. I hope you go to experience it in person sometime. It’s truly overwhelming. Thank you for the compliment.
Now I can’t wait to see it. Such a lovely written story, I can almost feel you here telling me about it.
I’m sure you will love it and be deeply moved as well. Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad I could make it feel personal. That’s my goal.