Space

To the Moon

See. This is why I don’t look things up on the internet in order to be correct and relevant in my writing. I would rather enjoy my composition as it pours out of my head. Joyful memories, right or wrong.

What I see in my mind’s eye, Stetser School. Still new seeming, the building starts in my mid Kindergarten year. The memory I’m referring to in this tale is several years after the new school opening and I’m likely melding two specific memories together. Here’s what I see. Classroom by classroom. Orderly. We poured into the gym, seated ourselves on the still new, clean, wooden floor, in the spot associated with our specific teacher. Down on the floor we went. Criss cross apple sauce was not a term I remember anyone using until years later, Indian Style it was for us. That was the position we assumed. I don’t recall any trouble, no attention deficit, no hyperactivity. We all sat there with our eyes glued on that little TV that someone had brought in. The principal? What was his name? Or maybe Mr Schmidt, the gym teacher and to my knowledge everyone’s favorite.

The countdown began. Mesmerized, we all watched in anticipation. Then the takeoff, fire bursting from the bottom of the rocket. Suddenly the space age had begun for us. Russia was ahead. President Kennedy was having none of that and started spear-heading a surge in our space program.

Yuri Gargarin was the first astronaut in space. Do I know that from my school studies? No. Michael and I were playing Trivial Pursuit with some friends when the question came up and one of our fellows named the likeliest American. Michael overrode that answer. I can still hear his voice in all its braggadocio, loud and proud: “Yuri Gargarin.” They checked the answer, not quite believing it and he was right. As a result, I will always know that fact. I will never answer it in a normal voice but will forever shout it out, Michael fashion, at the top of my lungs. I refuse to believe that dementia will take that away from me.

“One small step…” “Houston we have a problem…” Quotes related to our space program, either real or cinematic. is there ever a subject that sparks more creativity? Songs. Rocketman. Space Cowboy. Dark Side of the Moon, it should be far side Pink, just sayin’. There are more. Of course there is. Love. Broken hearts. But still. Space, so inspiring.

Michael’s parents headed down to Florida for one of the launches. I will say, without a doubt but with no actual knowledge of said, it was Rookie who spearheaded the trip and Big Jim went along.

I’m sure, after that first experience, thanks to the wonderful teachers and staff at my grade school, catching a bit of each of those experiences, a photo, some video was a drive of mine, ours in the Michael days. So when it was scheduled and I found a place on my TV, such that it is these days, I took the time to watch it. Artemis 2. The countdown. The preparations. The news anchor’s chatter with the invited guests. Their memories as they filled the empty space waiting for the real action to begin. I tuned in again when the capsule was on the return. Waiting, watching the welcoming ocean. It was fun. I just wonder what the quote will be that will hang on throughout the years. I can’t help but think it might have to do with the toilet. OK, maybe not. This is what I heard, it stays with me. And it is great:

“We will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other.”

My daughter’s Sally Ride astronaut.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mary E Joyce