Serenity 2017

Was the Eclipse of 2017 worth all the hype? Given that it was an event I wouldn’t get to witness again in my lifetime, it was definitely worth the time to view.

My husband and I were able to spend the time watching from the parking lot where I work. I had joked with him that he has had days off for snow, ice, rain and mud but this would be the only time that he didn’t work because of an eclipse.

All morning, most of the people I talked with at work were reserved about the upcoming event because it was rainy and cloudy. I assumed it would be our luck we wouldn’t get to see anything. My boss was gracious enough to recognize staff wanted to view this and for that I am grateful.

When the eclipse started to be visible there were high clouds but I was able to see just a smidgen of the moon coming in front of the sun. Then the clouds rolled in. As we gathered outside toward the moment of totality, the clouds opened up just enough for everyone to see. What I heard was jubilation. There was oohs and aahs and cheers to be heard and even some giddiness from people that are normally very reserved. There were smiles all around. There were cell phones out trying to gather pictures. Then as quickly as it began, totality ended. People became quiet again and started filtering back in to work. I was one of the last ones to go back inside. It wasn’t by design but I didn’t want it to end. Considering I really was ambivalent before the event, that surprised me.

One person even described the moment of totality as serene. Reflecting on that, I would have to agree. Regardless of our ages or backgrounds, we were all focused in on the sky. We had a common experience that we witnessed. We shared a myriad of expectations for the event and a myriad of reactions to it as well. I am fortunate that I was able to see the Eclipse of 2017 and experience the serenity of the event.