Euphoria, Unity, Gratitude

Euphoria. The first and only time I’ve ever been able to use this word. Gazing at the corona, that incredible display of cosmic glory, laughing with joy. Laughing. Others were crying, screaming, cheering, yelling. Two minutes united in excitement and enjoyment of the world around us, sharing an experience we will treasure for a lifetime.

First we watched the moon slowly creep its way across the sun, reminding me of the lunar eclipse I saw a few years previously. The light around us changed, became warmer, more sepia toned. After that came the wind, sweeping over the plains as if to warn of what was to come. It became dark around us, though we could see in all directions a yellow light on the horizon: a 360 degree sunset. I looked at the sky, and for a moment, the sun had completely disappeared, no moon, no corona. It was a bizarre and disjointed feeling, like the laws of the universe were broken, something critical was missing. And then the corona appeared, and all was frenzied bliss.

Disappointment, I’m sure, was felt by some, the clouds obstructing their view. For us, the clouds provided an added drama as they flitted over and away from the sun. As we stared, fixated, through our cardboard glasses, a cheer erupted every time it reappeared. When the clouds cleared just before totality, our outstanding luck only sweetened the view. Disappointment must also have been felt by some who couldn’t make it to the path of totality. I know that it is primarily due to luck and privilege that I was able to witness the total eclipse. I look back feeling grateful. Grateful for the resources and time to drive ten hours to Nebraska. Grateful that my family was excited to go and brought me with them. Grateful for the memory that I will cherish forever.