Over the last hour, I’ve sat in awe in front of my television – not reveling in the storytelling reverie of primetime television, or cringing at the evidence of society’s affinity towards slowly bringing about its own downfall.
No, for once, I sat in awe, goosebumps on my arms, hair raised on the nape of my neck, and heart beating much more than discretely, watching history being made as the first of thirty-three miners, trapped in a collapsed mine, were raised above the Earth’s surface in remote Chile. I looked on in absolute amazement, as their friends and family waited, with baited breath and many tears, for a glimpse of their loved ones for the first time in almost seventy days. I imagine, as many reporters have, that it was much like the anticipation of the first lunar landing that fateful day in July 1969.
Since we first heard of the critical situation, we've also heard repeatedly of professional organizations across the world being called upon for help. And today, as we all watch in sheer astonishment at the feat that was accomplished over these last sixty-nine days, I can't help but find solace and hope.
We just witnessed first-hand evidence of humanity's potential, intelligence, passion, determination, & perseverance.
I can't stress how incredibly poignant that is.
Think about those words: potential, intelligence, passion, determination, perseverance.
In a world where we hear daily of massacres, tragedies, recessions, finger pointing, you name it - the rescue operations today are a sign of hope, of faith in the goodness of the world and of humanity. It's evidence of the extraordinary bond we all share as inhabitants of this Earth, of the gift we've been bestowed to have analytical thoughts and related actions.
Many times tonight, I've heard reporters recount stories of how watching history unfold this way is much like when they, as children, witnessed man set foot on the Moon for the first time. Though amidst political turmoil and uncertainty, the world united as one to look on as humanity extended its footprint past the soils of the Earth and onto an extraterrestrial body. Much like today, we demonstrated on that day over 41 years ago, that we, as human beings, have the potential to accomplish so much, with so little. We proved that intelligence, passion, dedication, and perseverance could help us break the surly bonds of the Earthly forces that dictated our every move for centuries.
And yet, as time eludes us, we forget that humanity is capable of such feats. We allow tragedy and hate to heavily guide our notions, feelings, and actions, without pausing to remember the accomplishments of our forefathers. Somehow, in spite of the progression we make as humanity, we seem to revert to our primal nature, spurring the events that mar our track record of extraordinary accomplishments.
Perhaps that's what draws me so intimately to space exploration. As a child, I still remember pouring over astronomy picture books, gazing intently at the vivid imagery of our Universe. I still remember reading about the Apollo program, seeing still images and video of humanity's first foray onto other worlds. I still remember staring in awe as I stood in Mission Control for the first time, realizing the men and women there were supporting humans in space...actual space!
Working my way through various supporting roles at the Johnson Space Center has provided me with incredible perspective and insight. I tread the same ground as legends of manned spaceflight, past and present, and see the culmination of their combined efforts on a daily basis. I revel in the feats we have accomplished towards furthering humanity's knowledge of the great unknown, beyond the surface of our planet Earth. And most importantly, perhaps, I work daily, through certainty and strife alike, with great hope and faith, that one day our contributions will help humanity sustain life in distance lands.
The allure of the unknown has long enticed mankind - to not just explore, but invent. As I watch still the rescue efforts continue, I'm reminded of the innate characteristics that make us human beings, and of the continued curiosity we've possessed as a species since our inception. As I watch the wheel of the lift turn, signifying the progress the rescuers have made in the last few hours, I'm reminded of humanity's greatest achievements, especially those in the face of adversity, and I can't help but feel hopeful - for the success of these rescue operations; for the return to normalcy for those thirty-three brave, strong men; for our fate as humans on this planet we've made our home. I hope that one day, we will be able to share the perspective that few men and women have been fortunate enough to see while orbiting the Earth, and appreciate our place, not just in the world, but our Universe.
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