Once upon a time 50 years ago, there was a little boy who was depressed and had no self-esteem whatsoever. He was bullied at school and by his family at home.
One day, July 20, 1969, he was sitting in the living room watching the old black & white TV. Then he finally heard the sound on the TV say, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” And the boy had a tear in his eye when he saw a smiling and jubilant Walter Cronkite on the screen, with the words blinking: ‘MAN ON THE MOON!’ Two hours later the boy was astounded as he watched Neil Armstrong descend the ladder and set foot upon the moon.
That momentous time was so exciting that the little boy forgot all of his troubles and woes. He was so happy and so excited. And that was one time where the whole world was at peace because of this wonderful event.
That little boy 50 years ago was me. On this 50th Anniversary of the first moon landing, it’s a very special day for me because that’s the first time in my tumultuous childhood that I felt so happy and excited. That gave me hope even if I felt different from everybody else.
50 years later, I cherish that memory... the first time that I truly felt elated.