When I lived in North Carolina, my mom made it a regular tradition to sing “I See the Moon” with my niece and nephews so I didn’t seem quite so far away. I couldn’t help but think about that little rhyme last night, when The Owl and I decided to bundle up and watch the lunar eclipse.
Sadly, this is all I could capture on a crappy iPhone:
This shot was taken right at the start of the eclipse. I wish it showed even one little inkling of how completely breathtaking it was. We waited patiently as the moon slowly morphed and became a beautiful red color right before our eyes. Though fairly common, this lunar eclipse was different because it took place on the same day as the winter solstice. The last time this happened was in 1638—just 18 years after Plymouth was established as the first American colony.
It blows me away to think about that fact. I mean, that was around the same time the U.S. was being founded. That’s the last time people witnessed the same thing so many of us did last night.
For me, it really puts our whole place in the universe—or, multiverse, as The Owl would say—into perspective. Our “problems” are so fleeting in the grand scheme of humanity. Just as Mom would remind the kids, we’re all under the same moon and stars, living and experiencing such very different things. Needless to say, I was smitten by such a humbling experience. Call me a nerd, I don’t care.
And while we’re on the subject of nerds and lunar eclipses, is it too much to ask that next time I get to experience a natural phenomenon of epic proportions, the skies open up to this?
I loved this post. I am so glad that you have the right man for moongazing and thinking and dreaming-with. I am lucky to know you. And even luckier to be one of those who love you.
xo
I wondered if your ears were burning last night. Under that red moonlight, we were talking about you and your situation, and discussing how we know without a doubt that it’s going to work out.
We are every bit as lucky to know and love you, too, you know.