Watched the solar eclipse the other day. I wasn't going to watch it live, even though I lived in the path of totality. I didn't get any glasses, was just going to sit in my basement apartment and watch it on TV.
The hype on TV and on social media was getting to me. Overkill was dampening my spirit and enthusiasm.
The day started out cloudy, so I figured I wasn't going to miss anything. People were streaming by my windows all day, and the weather cleared out. It was going to be perfect viewing.
The ado on TV was getting at a fever pitch. I couldn't stand it. Around 2:30 something in my heart said, "GET OUT!" I went out to the parking lot, and sat in my car.
I knew I couldn't view it safely until totality, but I started to get involve in the ambience of the moment. It was quiet, and I was alone.
Slowly, things changed. The birds started heading to the trees, and their evening songs began. It started getting darker, and the temperature started dropping quickly. It felt damp. The security light popped on. The atmosphere got eerie. It got very quiet. I got out of the car, and just stood there.
The roar of the crowd suddenly erupted from the ball field across the way, and from the park a block away. I looked up and saw a sight I will never forget. It was brief, and I could only watch safely for a minute.
But I am not going to forget that sight. Amazed and dazed, I stood transfixed until the sun started to appear again.
This is something I am never going to see again in my lifetime. And will never forget the best decision I ever made.
