Where will you be during the eclipse?

This year’s eclipse has wider appeal than its predecessor in 2017 because its path covers populated areas allowing more than 31 million to experience the event.

    During the last eclipse, I stood on the sidewalk with about 60 colleagues, put on those funky special glasses, and gazed upward. I witnessed this eerie event. For me, it was reverent experience and one I knew I’d always remember, albeit a brief interlude from a busy work day.  

 I lived in Cleveland then, and the last time I stood in a crowd was watching a manmade marvel the year before. It felt like the whole city came out to celebrate this rare occurrence that had last occurred 52 years ago – the Cleveland Cavaliers won the championship series defeating the Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers delivered a win, and the city kept their promise to host a parade. Packed streets, noisy crowds, and a long, slow procession filled with impromptu speeches was memorable. Everyone was "All in," to quote the fans' mantra to celebration. 

    But I had a more meaningful experience standing with the small, quiet group who spent less than 15 minutes outside observing nature. I don’t even want to consider a contest between natural events and sporting events. ( I hope we have an innate love for our natural world.)

    I have always been awed by celestial events, whether it’s a falling star or a meteorite shower. Because I have trouble staying up late enough to enjoy a meteorite shower, I was thrilled that there was a comet visible during daylight hours. Enter Hale-Bopp. Hale-Bopp was an extraordinary and friendly comet greeting me each morning during its short stay in 1997.

Wherever you are next week for the eclipse wear those special glasses and bring your sense of wonder.