Monday, November 17, 2008

Reaching to the Stars



Last Friday, at about 7:55 PM, my husband and I chased each other to the driveway in our bare feet and with almost the entire neighborhood, we looked up in awe as the space shuttle lit the night sky and rocketed toward the heavens. As it vanished from our sight, cheers from the surrounding patios filled the warm air like sports fans at the world series.

"Can you imagine the rush?" My husband glanced back to the now darkened sky.

I thought back to the time I sat glued to the TV as the astronauts landed on the moon. The memory now is as fuzzy as the reception of that 60's picture tube but the emotions still come through clearly-- cheers and hugs with my relatives as we celebrated in my uncle's crowded living room.

On that historic day every American shared in the pride of the brave astronauts' accomplishment just as my husband and I did again on Friday.

I'm feeling that way again today. My good writer friend Donna called yesterday to tell me she won second place in the Florida Writers Association writing awards. After screaming with her, I can't help but feel as though I've won too--since we've been together in this journey for so long.

I love sharing in the successes of other writers. I love cheering them on. I also love knowing someday they'll do the same for me.

It's a rush that reaches the stars!

10 comments:

Angie Ledbetter said...

Yes! And you'll get there, friend. :)

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Thanks Terri for all your support, encouragement and caring. Without writers, like you, doing that for me, I know I wouldn't have won! The winning is not only for me but for all writers out there. We are all writing winners whether we receive and award or get published.

Melissa Amateis said...

How cool to see the space shuttle take off! Wow! That would DEFINITELY be a rush!

And I agree with Angie - you're on your way there, Terri! Keep believing!

Anonymous said...

Don't ever stop reaching for the stars, Terri! You will get there before you know it.

I need longer arms...*laughing quietly to myself because I am at work*.

How exciting to see the space shuttle launch.

Have a great day!

Jessica Nelson said...

Yay! Cool for Donna. :-)
So we had a space shuttle go up? Darn. *snapping fingers* I didn't know.
Oh yeah, the Golden Heart is RWA's biggest contest for unpublished writers. There's a lot of prestige with it. :-) My odds of winning are very low. Heheee.
So, what kind of contests have you entered?

Unknown said...

Hope all this excitement and "goodness" continues for you ... and all those you care about!

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

This morning, the F-15 E's (the strike eagle of the air force) flew overhead while I was on my morning run. My heart welled with thankfulness for the price that's been paid for my freedom. I waved to them my appreciation, as if they could really see.

What joy to share in others contributions to society, be it through the pen or in the skies. We are a kingdom people who are charged with the applauding of our fellow pilgrims as we go. So glad for your friend's success and for your walking the road alongside.

peace~elaine

BiPolar Wife said...

We passed by Kennedy Space Center a few times in our recent travels there and didn't have the time to take the tour. How awesome!!!

Kathleen said...

I held my breath and prayed as the shuttle launch took place. We watched from afar here in AZ, but there was great TV coverage.

I was pregnant with my oldest son, now 39, when the Moon landing took place. I will never forget either event!

Kathleen

Vickie said...

What an awesome accomplishment for your friend Donna. Congrats to her.

I would love to see a shuttle take off, sounds like truly out of this world.

Vickie