"Underneath the Stars"
by Lisa Moore
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Would you believe that just looking up sparked a flame that ignited my whole existence? I grew up in the country, surrounded by crops of just about every grain possible. If it wasn't for a few neighbors, one would say we were in the middle of nowhere. Country living has its downfalls but the best thing about being far from the busyness of society, the stars are almost always visible. My dad was a mechanic on a nearby farm and he’d often work late hours in the fields. Since the acres of land we resided on were my grandparents, my parents decided that’s where they’d grow old. One cool summer night my dad ran into the house grinning at my siblings and me, and said “Get your shoes and meet me outside!” I jumped to the occasion to see what had him so elated. I swear, exiting that door was like something out of a movie. Meteors were coming from every angle, one after the other. I wanted to close my eyes and make a wish but I was scared I’d miss something. I broke my glare to look around and see my family of seven in the same trance. That night was magical. What had begun as my first meteor shower ended up being one of my most cherished memories. I carried the beauty of the night-time lightshow with me to my college years. I even enrolled in Astrology to learn about constellations and their backstories. After Mr. Allen ignited an intense first day discussion of Galileo, I chose to leave that science to the amazing scientist. Still, my amazement never ceased and many nights I’d catch myself staring at the sky when I was homesick. When a meteor shower was on her across the galaxy, I’d rush to announce it to my friends. We’d grab our blankets and nestle up on the staircase of Smith Hall to enjoy the show. Laying there watching balls of fire travel across the night sky brought back that familiar sense of comfort. I remembered one of the first things Mr. Allen said during class, “A constellation’s stars are light years away from each other yet they form something perfect.” That’s my outlook on life now, even though my goals and dreams seem far apart, they make up who I would eventually become. I moved back home as soon as I finished my Junior year. I told my mom I was exhausted, when in reality I just wanted to come home for a bit. My grades began to reflect my mood and nothing was exciting anymore. In hindsight, I was depressed. I never returned back to the university; instead I got a job and had a baby. Years passed and I found myself in the most mundane routine ever, I think even my daughter was bored. One December night on my way back from Mississippi the Big Dipper was so close that I didn't notice the three-hour drive back home. I forgot that feeling, and I surely missed the twinkling beauty. I was at that moment that the stars became my assurance that everything will be okay. It’s when I’m stuck glaring at their nighttime glory, that I’m most honest with myself. Soon after that I left home for the last time and returned only to visit. Every time I look up I am reminded of how blessed I am. I am reminded of my dad, my commitments, and the slow yet worth the ride journey. Most of all I am reminded that no matter where life takes me I can always find the tranquil memories of home right underneath the stars. Bonne nuit. |
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