Asked recently, “What do you remember about Neil Armstrong landing on the moon in 1969?” Wow, so long ago and far away.  Although this feat was phenomenal at the time, I have scant memory of this remarkable happening.

When I recall significant world events throughout my lifetime, most stand out as a real sense of tragedy and loss. Most vivid for me was the assination of President John F. Kennedy.  I remember where I was, what I was wearing, and who I was with. Add the untimely deaths of respected activist, Martin Luther King jr. and presidential hopeful, Robert F. Kennedy. The unsuccessful assination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Senseless. Unforgiving.  Lasting and forever losses not only for America, but for the world as well. 

Of recent, events leading up to and including the January 6, 2021 intrusion and insurrection that challenged our democracy as a nation will forever imprint my thoughts and memories. When the United States was attacked by Islamic terrorists on September 11, not so long ago. Columbine. Sandy Hook. Lives stolen, liberty compromised, lost, forever gone. Grief that continues to sting. 

Why is that? Why do many of us focus on that which is tragic, horrific, negative?  Is it our need for that which is sensational? Media of all sorts that imply our hunger for that which is contrary? Whatever the case, small events here and there are beginning to pop that carry an upbeat, positive feel. We are the believers and makers.  With that, I will clear the cobwebs and glean my thoughts of Apollo 11’s Eagle flight to the moon. Positive. One small step to all that was good. 

July 20, 1969. A summer Sunday of chores, church, and rest. As dew was drying off the crisp, green lawn, another gem of a day was beginning to take hold. With a high in the low 80s, clear skies and a light breeze predicted, outside activities were guaranteed . After church of course. Mass at St. Henry’s was hurried so that we could turn to relaxation of those outside “ahhh” moments.    

By noon we had returned home. A quick change of clothes and gathering of eggs while Momma readied lunch. Around 1:00 p.m. all was ready for another afternoon of sun and fun. Before our ideas had become a reality, however, Momma shooed us into the living room. 

“The astronauts that went into space a few days ago are about to land on the moon. It’s going to be live on television in just a few minutes. History being made like no other time. Come on now, sit down and get comfortable. I want to see this too.” 

She popped on the black and white turning the dial to Channel 9, CBS. Adjusting the “rabbit ears” antenna that sat atop the set, a fuzzy Walter Cronkrite came into view. Behind him were a number of men pacing nervously in front of television monitors. Something was astir with their business-like profiles of black, white and muted greys. All seemed surreal and serious. 

As we eight gathered around, questions were abuzz. How far away is the moon anyway?  How did the tv cameras get to the moon? Is this real, Momma? Is Mr. Cronkrite really gonna talk to those astronauts?  Are there phones in that spaceship? Obviously more questions than answers. 

Momma turned from the set, eyed us calmly and met our needs as one, ” That’s why we’re here. Just sit tight and Mr. Cronkrite will answer all your questions.” 

With our eyes glued to the set in total silence, we watched in amazement. Astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins were about to land on the moon! This was going to be epic!

Mr. Cronkrite continued to inform us of any and all information prepared for the millions of listeners. Stoic and matter-of-fact, Conkrite was able to carry viewers from Earth to the moon with awe. With minimal errors, the Apollo 11 Eagle space module had made the 240,000 mile trip in less than three days. Set to land in just minutes, we held our breath. No cameras could film this feat. We had to rely on the voices from Mission Control in Houston Texas and those of the three astronauts.

Just then a man from the Houston control center spoke, “Ladies and gentlemen we have live contact from astronauts Aldrin, Armstrong and Collins. Let’s go to them now. History is about to unfold.”

With sputters and static, the nation and world would witness man’s first attempt to reach the moon’s surface. Commander Aldrin spoke first. “Houston, we have landed. The Eagle has landed.” The control center went mad with cheers and hugs. Glassy eyed and gaping mouths, we continued to witness in silence. A safe and successful landing!

Within minutes astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first to set a human foot on the lunar surface. His first words continue to echo today. “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” 

We sibs had first hand witnessed three brave, selfless explorers jump, dance like playful boys, gather dust samples, ride the solar powered lunar module, and lastly, plant an American flag on the moon’s surface. It was a proud moment for science, for America and humankind. This optimism would be one to never forget. 

Following a few hours of gathering and exploring, Aldrin, Armstrong, and Collins engaged plans to return to earth. Within days, a successful splash down in the Pacific Ocean sealed the deal of a completed mission to the lunar beyond. In all, just eight short days from start to completion was all that was needed to make the “one giant step for mankind” a reality.

The fact that man has been able to explore and discover the undiscovered realms beyond that of Mother Earth is astounding. The Apollo 11 mission was one project that conquered the unconquerable. My memories are alive with that eventful positive as Neil Armstrong first set his footprints on the surface of the moon. I my wildest expectations did I ever imagine this feat possible. 

In summary, memorable events throughout one’s lifetime can be tragic or upbeat. Funny how easily we can remember that which is disastrous or unhappy rather than the celebratory or positive. It’s all in our mind and being. Weed the negative, grow the positive. It just takes one small step.

Lessons Learned:

Keep good in your thoughts and memories. Constructive. Affirmative. Positive. It compliments one’s  balance in life.

Thanks for reading.

We are born. We grow. We absorb, learn and become. Years and years of discoveries, trials, tribulations, and regrets.  Combined with an abundance of achievements and success, we finish the race called LIFE. 

Recently, the  passage below was presented to me for thought. I do not know the title or author, however, I do believe it speaks to all of us. Why should we wait until our 60’s, 70’s, or beyond to practice these beliefs? 

I’m admitting that I stole this and don’t know who to credit, but THANK YOU!  Enjoy and go out there to live your life of happy! 

• After loving my parents my siblings, my spouse, my children, my friends, now I have started loving myself.
• I just realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
• I now stopped bargaining with vegetable and fruit vendors. A few pennies will not burn a hole in my pocket, but may well help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
• I pay my waiter/waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to his/her face. He/she is toiling much harder for a living than me. 
• I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down their memory lane and relive the past.
• I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
• I  give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient;  Never, NEVER turn it down, just say “Thank You”.
• I have learned not to bother about a crease or spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
• I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
• I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.
• I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human. 
• I have learned that it is better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships I will never be alone. 
• I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last. 
• I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice, you can be happy at any time, just choose to be! 

Lesson learned

If we practice these beliefs in our present, a future of contentment and inner peace are sure to be ours. 

Thanks for reading! 

Notable: Adj. Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable. Noun. A famous or important person. Oxford Dictionary.

On the silver screen? Politically a world figure? Rock star status? Inventor/developer? Entrepreneur? Individuals who have become famous, respectable, remarkable in so many ways.  After all, notoriety is in the eye of the beholder, yes? We all have our favorites. 

Are there notable ancestors among your family? According to the words of Oxford, no immediate relatives of mine, have come near that of being world renown or notable of mention in the annals of historical archives.  Regardless, I have determined that yes, I am certain that particular family and relatives of mine have been remarkable in their own right. Interpretation is everything, yes?

Take for example my father, Joseph Francis Foldesi. Humble beginnings as he immigrated to America with the flood of Europeans to begin a new life of economic and personal freedom. At age three, however, he likely did not realize the fears, dangers and complications of traveling to a new country. With little more than his mother, a small trunk of personal belongings, and no skills with the English language, Ellis Island would open the door to future constraints, detours and challenge. 

Historical records indicated that my dad arrived to America fatherless.  Soon after, his mother married and he became a stepson. Scant legal paperwork available to prove as fellow settlers shared in economic and personal support. 

Hungarian families that had previously arrived opened their arms, homes and hopes for a better future. As a first generation immigrant, my father learned the English language, a number of vocational skill sets and became a property owner. Like so many other newcomers, the American dream lived in him. 

By his early 20’s, Daddy took ownership of a 160 acre property that a local bank had repossessed for back taxes. Over the course of ten years and with the help of family, he logged much of the property, built a large barn, several out sheds for storage and a simple house. Busy hands. Busy minds. 

Known throughout the community, Daddy became an expert in shoeing horses and metalsmithing. Small tattered notebooks provided his accounting records. Shoeing a horse, $.50. Taking out a $200 note from the bank required collateral. Daddy put up one of his Holstein cows and was accepted. Simple trust. 

Not of world fame, he successfully farmed, married and helped raise eight self-supporting, loving, children. A generous man of his word and one of integrity.  He continues to be my historical idol of respect, dedication and love!

Another example of  ancestral notoriety is that of my mother, Theresa Catherine Lynch. Born and raised during the Great Depression, she grew up with struggle and not-haves. Her father, of strong Irish descent, had steady work during this economic crisis, however, battled alcoholism. Income to the home was scant to say the least. 

As a result, Momma learned to survive through serving others and compromising dignity. As a young girl, she lived through meatless days and food rationing, while cleaning houses, taking in laundry of others and waiting tables. As a young teen, she sneaked through darkness of neighborhoods in search of valuables tossed as other people’s trash. All the while, her meager earnings helped insure food on the table and a roof over that of her family. 

Married by age 18, Momma began her own family in earnest. By the age of 27, she had bore eight lively children and was in the daily throes of farm life with Daddy. She sewed without a pattern. She canned any and all fruits, vegetables and meats. She drove tractor and helped milk the cows. She and Daddy made farm life hum like a fine tuned instrument. Just another notorious person in my gene pool of historical notability. Momma was remarkable!

These two adults have provided a rich history and much to be proud. Strong value systems. Morally upright, loving, generous, respectful. Yes, these are just two of the notable ancestors I  honestly admit into my book of history! 

Discover your own history and be amazed. After all, interpretation is everything, yes?