TO THE MOON AND BACK

 

We stood atop a boardwalk on the east coast of Florida…

a moment , for us, most opportune…

watching the Artemis Spacecraft on the west coast…

take off on it’s mission to the moon.

We could feel the excitement and anticipation the approaching launch was creating

as we stood on the boardwalk side by side with all the other people…waiting…

With so much dividing us as a country…as a world…

our colors, sexes, genders, religions, our basic human rights…

It felt good, if only for a moment, to be a witness

to something universal…that unites. 

We stood shoulder to shoulder with a diversity of people.

Some brought cameras, some brought their children…some even brought snacks…

all of us wondering what it must be like…to travel to the moon and back.

Many of us watching on our phones as NASA prepared for the launch…

and then…

along with the people at the Kennedy Space Center…counting down from ten.

Watching the launch on our phones…then…after a few seconds ticked by

catching a glimpse of the rocket…as the astronauts soared up to the sky.

Everybody cheering and clapping…standing together…on that beautiful day…

feeling a part of something special…even from 150 miles away.

We all walked away with smiles on our faces…once the launch was done…

for a moment there were no divisions between us… 

for a moment we were one…

It was wonderful in that moment to feel united…in a world led by the misbegotten…

It’s a feeling many of us have lost…or has long since been forgotten.

Driving home we found ourselves remembering and wishing for a time…

when the world seemed on kinder, gentler  track…

When the only thing we had to worry about

was our astronauts….making it to the moon…and back.

TO THE MOON AND BACK

 

We stood atop a boardwalk on the east coast of Florida…

a moment , for us, most opportune…

watching the Artemis Spacecraft on the west coast…

take off on it’s mission to the moon.

We could feel the excitement and anticipation the approaching launch was creating

as we stood on the boardwalk side by side with all the other people…waiting…

With so much dividing us as a country…as a world…

our colors, sexes, genders, religions, our basic human rights…

It felt good, if only for a moment, to be a witness

to something universal…that unites. 

We stood shoulder to shoulder with a diversity of people.

Some brought cameras, some brought their children…some even brought snacks…

all of us wondering what it must be like…to travel to the moon and back.

Many of us watching on our phones as NASA prepared for the launch…

and then…

along with the people at the Kennedy Space Center…counting down from ten.

Watching the launch on our phones…then…after a few seconds ticked by

catching a glimpse of the rocket…as the astronauts soared up to the sky.

Everybody cheering and clapping…standing together…on that beautiful day…

feeling a part of something special…even from 150 miles away.

We all walked away with smiles on our faces…once the launch was done…

for a moment there were no divisions between us… 

for a moment we were one…

It was wonderful in that moment to feel united…in a world led by the misbegotten…

It’s a feeling many of us have lost…or has long since been forgotten.

Driving home we found ourselves remembering and wishing for a time…

when the world seemed on kinder, gentler  track…

When the only thing we had to worry about

was our astronauts….making it to the moon…and back.

DAILY GRATITUDE LOVE

 

I am grateful for feeling so close to those I love…

As we float together down life’s ever-changing streams…

So close…that the only things that can fit between us…

Are our hopes our wishes and our dreams.

PEACE

 

May we be blessed to see…

How thinking the only way we will find our peace 

is when our life finally comes together…

is a misconception…a fallacy…

Because through life’s ups and downs

Through mild or inclement weather…

It is only when we find our peace

that our life can come together

THE CHANGE

 

Be the change you want to see in the world…

This thought be shouted from every rooftop…every soap box.

Deborah loves this adage so much…she’s painted it on rocks.

This idea if heeded with kindness in our heart and a smile on our face

could change the path, the order…the direction

of the entire human race.

It is another rendering…of the oftentimes repeated Golden Rule

which basically means when it comes to other people…be kind…not cruel.

Between it’s lines is the message that we should try to be a delight

that we should work towards freedom for all…and basic human rights.

History has taught us that violence is not the answer

It merely begets more violence…and not only hurts the body but the mind…

because whenever one person takes an eye for an eye 

two people are left blind.

It isn’t easy to be the change we want to see 

when our world is filled with hate and bombs and guns…

But look when you around…at all the love, acceptance 

and compassion in some hearts hearts you see

that change has already begun.

By standing up to injustice, violence, abuse, hatred, prejudice and war

and the insults when we do that will invariably be hurled…

we are being the change we want to see…

and together we will eventually change the world.

VIOLET'S FIRST LAUGH

 

Violet, our great-granddaughter, experienced a special moment the other day

(I’m sure she won’t mind if I speak on her behalf)

What made this day so special…It was the moment of her first laugh.

Although Deborah and I were not there to hear in person…the moment of her laughter….

through the magic of technology…we were heard her laugh…a little while after.

We’ve been blessed to witness many milestones with our children and grandchildren…

as together we’ve enjoyed life’s ride

and witnessing Violet’s first laugh, just like all the others, filled our hearts with pride. 

And so it all begins again Violet…on another roller coaster ride we go…

ready to watch your milestones…your discoveries…your achievements 

as every day you grow.

We might not be in the front seat of the roller coaster with you…

on any particular day…

but there’s no need to worry…we won’t be far away.

Well be right behind you with smiles on our faces and our arms unfurled

like we were the day you added your laughter to the world.

DAILY GRATITUDE BALANCE

 

I am grateful for understanding early 

what some people understand too late…

that balance in our life is not something we find…

it is something we create.