Fifty years ago today that my father, a research scientist caught up in space and rocketry, took his kids to the lake for a better view of the spot of light that passed overhead. Tuned into NASA on the radio, Sputnik emitted a weird sci-fi static-and-ping; telemetry as it passed overhead.
Our dad made sure we understood the significance of the moment.
Since then I’ve gone on to other things. Space has faded into the background of work days, school, travel, family, and daily life. The excitement I once felt for all things scientific sits dormant in a closet of my youth. And I wonder why. What happened to the wide-eyed amazement that everything unknown brought? It’s now often passed over by a glazed look, and a reach for another cup of coffee.
Today, on Sputnik’s anniversary, I continue my search for the lost happiness (read “excitement!”) of a simpler day. It’s time to chase some stars.
