Meteors

Thank you Universe for once again providing us Earthlings with a spectacular light show. The Perseid meteor shower provided us with three nights (or early mornings) of entertainment. We do it each year. It is a family tradition that dates back to our early days when the children were just wee ones. We would pack them up at 1:00 AM and drive to a dark location where we could gaze into the heavens to watch the shooting stars. How many wishes were made? So many beautiful moments and loving memories were created as we talked, gaped in awe, joked and giggled in those early hours, those magical hours, when the world is still asleep.
As our children grew and moved away, Skip and I continued the tradition alone. It was still wonderful but somehow a little empty. We missed the sleepy presence of our children. We would call them and remind them excitedly that the meteor shower was going to be on August 11th. We would check with them to see if they had watched. Then, one year, we were all in the same place again. We were together to witness the event, to join as a family (now all adults) and to reminisce silently of days gone by and to create new memories. Looking upward we "ooood" and "aaaahd" excitedly. We remarked about the neon streaks across the sky as being the very best. We complained about the humidity or clouds that hid the smaller meteors from our view. We remarked that the frogs were so loud we couldn't hear each other. Such simple joys, such ecstasy, such perfect moments!
With clear skies this year we were treated to a special opportunity of a 'burst' event. The visibility was excellent. We were joined by our children, our son-in-law and our son's girlfriend. When the time arrived we met on the driveway with folding chairs and quilts to lie on. All gazing skyward. But wait...where was Skip? He was asleep and while he assured me he would join us, he remained in bed. Sadly, the special moment was tarnished by his absence. We decided to repeat it the next night. Once again we met on the driveway. Bill...Skip...me... Where was Dorie? Where was Gregg? Where was Christina (Bill's girlfriend)? Our numbers had dwindled. Was there apathy in the troops? Were there those who valued their sleep more than an occasional spotting of a shooting star? We texted and called. "Come downstairs!" There was no response. We enjoyed the 'show'...just the three of us.
The next morning Dorie arose complaining bitterly that she missed the shower. She had turned off her phone and forgot to turn it back on at bedtime. She missed our calls, our texts, our invitations. She was devastated and miserable. She said it was like missing Christmas. I felt so sad for her, but part of me smiled inside knowing that we -- Skip and I had instilled a sense of wonder, joy, and anticipation in our children: a family treasure. We were reassured that this tradition would continue no matter where we are and who might be with us.
Last night Skip and I decided to go outside and take one more opportunity to gaze upward. We were alone. The night was filled with the noises of the summer. The skies were clear and stars were bright. The meteors were not as numerous. Our dedication to watch was not as intense. Our viewing marathon was coming to an end and it was time to go to bed. With a deep sigh, I folded my chair and returned it to the garage. Smelling of bug spray I collapsed in bed to catch up on missed hours of sleep. My dreams were filled with happy images of our children, our grandchildren and family fun. They reflected my state of mind. They comforted me and reminded me that we are blessed with something that money cannot buy. We have learned and taught that there are myriad ways to enjoy life's simple moments and they can be the most important moments in our lives.