Saving the Moon

What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.

George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) It’s a Wonderful Life

I was driving home from an errand last night, Wednesday. It was around 5:15 when I looked up in the sky. I was struck, nearly dumbfounded with what I saw – the biggest whitest moon I ever saw. For a moment, I convinced myself that I could reach up and touch it or at least drive to the horizon and be enveloped in it.

As I drove home, I had to continually remind myself to look at the road and be aware of the traffic. Driving 101 – right? Well, yesterday, this basic driving necessity was truly a struggle. Instead of giving the road my full concentration, I followed the moon which seemed to be moving as I moved. I imagined G-d was playing volleyball.  I remained mesmerized and marveled over nature the whole ride home, “It’s so huge, isn’t it especially bright, is it following me home?”

I had to share this beautiful moon with my family.

I walked in, and my wife was sitting at the kitchen table working.

“Come outside. I have to show you something.”

“What? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Just come. You have to see this.”

“It’s cold.”

“Just put on your jacket and come with me. Trust me.”

She got on her jacket and followed me outside. I brought her to a spot where you could the moon was visible. I put my hands on her shoulders and said, “Look at the moon. Isn’t it amazing?’

She was quiet for a moment, taking in the amazing sight. She smiled, “thanks for giving me the moon.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Now, let’s go back in the house. It’s cold.” We walked back together.

Later I brought SJ outside. It was after his shower. He wore his winter coat. He was shoeless so I carried him on my shoulders.  When we got outside, I said, “Look at the moon. Isn’t it awesome?”

“Wow, it’s so big!”

“Doesn’t it look like you could touch it?”

“Hmm. I don’t know. I’m cold. Let’s go inside.”

“Don’t you want to look at the moon some more?”

“No, I just want to go inside.” He wasn’t impressed.

Later on, I took BR out who was dressed similarly to SJ. BR decided to walk. When we got outside, I said “Check out that moon. Look how big it is.”

“That’s it? You brought me out here to see the moon. I’m going back in.”

“Don’t you think it looks huge?”

“I’m going back inside.”

I guess the children aren’t ready for the moon. Well, my version of Mary liked it, and so did I.  Next time, I’ll save the moon for my wife and me.

 

51 thoughts on “Saving the Moon

  1. I loved this post! I’m often amazed (and distracted) by God’s creations. And I LOVE when my husband does the “psst, come here” routine for something romantic like this. He recently did this one night when the thickest fog Ive ever seen. Under the street lights, it was so eerily beautiful. Our son did not care much for it either.

  2. I saw that same moon last night. It was huge and low. My son is pretty unimpressed with most things we point out to him. They lack perspective at that age, I think.

  3. I too had to step outside and marvel at last nights moon, my street, usually quite dark at night, was lit up as if by flood lights. It was truly a wonder to behold.

    Thanks for sharing your post, nature is a truly magnificent gift to us all.

  4. I missed the moon although I did hear plenty about it. I’ve now also convinced myself the moon is at fault why my child doesn’t want to go to bed. Either that or because Daddy bear is away.
    Anyway I Love The Moon. And stars. and shooting stars. ! Everything about the sky night or day is just beautiful.

  5. What a beautiful story! My husband takes our daughters outside all the time to see the moon with him. I have yet to be invited or to join them sans invitation, but I will after reading your story. I’m usually doing the dishes or something equally entrancing. Thanks for the push!

  6. I saw the same moon, too! I was picking Mr. T up from school last night and like you, I had a hard time staying focused on the road! Fortunately, Mr. T was willing to indulge me and stare at in awe and make the appropriate “oohhh & ahhhh” sounds. Then he had to fill me in on his day. The moment wasn’t long, but I’m glad I could share that moment with him. 🙂

  7. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen a “glorious” moon, I’m always still in awe. My husband and I often go outside and try to capture it in photographs but they never produce the same intensity of what we actually saw. I always feel like a little kid when I get so excited about these kind of things but maybe it’s the opposite…maybe you have to be an adult to actually appreciate these kind of things!!

  8. I think I know exactly what moon that was. It was only a few days ago, but I was just as mesmerized. There are things children can find joy in that we simply cannot see, I suppose the moon is the thing as adults we have to be in awe of.

  9. Hi,
    And enjoy it with your wife and appreciate the moments of closeness. The moon is a beautiful planet to look up at and experience feelings of closeness.

    Ciao,
    Patricia

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