One Small Step

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.