The scramble toward the beach was on, parking was tight, urgency, and anticipation in every step. The Space X manned rocket ready to launch from Kennedy Space station just 150 miles down our coast. The world’s imagination is fascinated and uplifted. Seventeen minutes from scheduled liftoff, however, the launch was aborted on Wednesday and rescheduled for Saturday when the same scenario will play out again. There is no window of opportunity. The rocket launch (this is not the space shuttle) must coincide with timing to the International Space Station orbiting earth with exact precision. They can’t just fly around looking for it. The fact that this kind of precision, daring, bravery, technical genius is in mankind’s wheelhouse helps us to believe that all challenges can be met with success.
What I want to share is the exuberance I witnessed this week. Children came barreling out of cars racing toward the water, young boys proudly had space logos on their t-shirts, fathers wheeled toddlers, and mothers jostled the beach blanket as families joined for one fantastic event. Even if it didn’t happen, the anticipation was enough to bring a world community together. Everyone had a smile. All the drama about the deadly virus was forgotten for those 30 minutes of countdown waiting for the first US manned flight since 2011 to blast off. People came together in a way they haven’t and couldn’t for months. The joy and excitement were palpable. I’ve talked a great deal about refreshing your house, cars, opening to air, being outdoors in the sun. This Space Force event is just what we need now to lift spirits.
The chatter in the cancer center wasn’t about disease this week. We’ve gotten used to the temperature checks, sanitizing, washing, and masks. We’ve moved onto care previously postponed. Normalcy has changed to a new normal. We all need this distraction to give us pride and believe again.
Dragon 2 will attempt again to launch at 3:22 PM today pending weather. You can follow on http://www.spacex.com all the excitement and share it with your children who may be far away.
May the Dragon 2 astronauts Doug and Bob be safe. Thank you for the courage and will to pierce the heavens allowing a wash of freedom, sunshine, and openness to reign down on us. Thank you for helping us all believe anything is possible and that we can be raised up in bravery for ourselves. Thank you for capturing our imaginations at a critical time in our country. Pierce the heavens and open the light of healing for us all.
Addendum: Congratulations Doug, Bob, Space X, and Launch America! You have captured our imaginations and our Hearts. God Bless!