Eclipse Memories and Lessons

In 1963, I witnessed my first eclipse -- outside the zone of totality on the coast of Maine  -- through a shoebox fashioned into a pinhole camera, following instructions in a State of Maine leaflet. (I re-discovered that flier this year and made one for my 7-year-old grandson.)  

In 1994, I was in Concord serving in the state legislature when the House and Senate paused business to gather outside as the light went oddly strange. In 2017 and 2021, I witnessed very partial eclipses.  

This year, I was disappointed that a family event didn’t happen, but an opportunity arose to go to Pittsburg, NH, through friend Rik Yeames, whose eclipse mobile was featured in the AAA magazine.   

Driving north on Sunday, I came upon a Christian radio station sharing powerful stories of how kindness helped people overcome anger and how a woman found forgiveness for co-workers who had betrayed her. I also pondered how a young woman inspired me the day before, sharing that she had learned to take the high road despite difficult challenges when growing up.  

There was little traffic and lots of beautiful scenery, too. 

Monday, I joined old and new friends to witness the stunningly quick onset of darkness and the amazing ring of sun during 3 minutes and 10 seconds of totality. I headed home the next morning and, spotting snow in Vermont, broke out my skis for 50 beautiful minutes, an immensely satisfying post-eclipse bonus. 

I have heard claims that seeing a total eclipse can change a person’s life. Paul Piff, a professor at University of California Irvine, said that such an awesome event, “connects us to things bigger than ourselves, motivates us to care for others, and the greater good.”    

I am not sure about changing your life, but, for sure, we can all benefit from getting out of our routines, spending more time in nature, and engaging with others we may not know. I ponder lessons for improving my life, including adapting when things don’t go as planned, embracing the positives, and striving for more humility. 

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!