Making Memories - A Moment At A Time

I couldn't seem to fall asleep. My mind was racing -- nothing bad, it just would not shut off. Knowing that having television on does nothing for relaxing a person's mind, I turned it off... just as they were talking about the full lunar eclipse that would be clearly visible in our time zone in less than 5 hours. I seemed to fall asleep pretty quickly & felt unbelievably rested when I woke around 5am. The room was flooded with bright light from the moon setting in the western sky. I jumped up to take a look. It was already partially covered. I cheerfully told the LOML what was happening... no response. I sat in bed beside the peacefully sleeping LOML for half an hour -- peering out the window at the moon. As soon as he became cognizant of the new day, I mentioned the lunar eclipse & he headed to the patio door. I gleefully followed.

These days our house is home to four of us. And, I didn't want ANYONE to miss out on this event. Our daughter came out to see as I was heading in to get our youngest family member -- a joyful 21-month old girl who loves the moon! She's been noticing it & pointing it out to us for months. I cuddled her closely & stepped outside. 

She vigorously waved her little hand & hollered, "Hi Moon!"

I was so excited to show her the lunar eclipse & attempt to explain what was happening -- using terms she'd understand. She knows what a "shadow" is. And, she knows that when we block the light of the sun, we make a "shadow." That was a good starting point.

The morning air was cold & clear. The stars & planets shone brightly in the night sky. It was so peaceful & beautiful out -- just one more perk of living out among the fields in "stuckinindiana" land. We couldn't seem to break away until the entire moon was eclipsed by the "shadow" of the earth. What an amazing experience to share with 3 generations. 

That moment in time will be a warm memory for me in the months & years to come. My mind was drawn back to times when our children were young. I thought of nights we had stargazed from a blanket thrown on the lawn and the time we exited the interstate while traveling to find a dark field to watch a meteor shower. I thought of times we'd visited our favorite State Park (Turkey Run) with the kids & hiked together on the trails. So many moments back then... such wonderful memories today.

Just recently our family returned to Turkey Run State Park for a quick hiking trip. Our son's girlfriend joined us this time. There on a hiking trail overlooking Sugar Creek, our son asked her to become his wife. That trip & this morning's experience reminded me of one of my favorite quotes. I didn't take pictures of this morning's eclipse but, I came back from that trip with some great pictures. I wanted to pair one up with a favorite quote. However, it was impossible to choose only ONE pic :) The quote is from a wise, old soul... Dr. Seuss :) And, below are three versions...

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment

until it becomes a memory."

 

Linked with the Nesting Place community through the write31days challenge, October 2014 - post No 9.