My family and I were gathered in the front room of a Jersey Shore vacation rental house. Avalon?
It was dark except for the glow of the black and white TV in the corner. An air of quiet, reverent excitement filled the room.
At age 5, I didn't quite understand it all. But I was being told by my mother and father and oldest brother, Brian, that this was an important moment. Shsh. Watch. I was told in response to a six-year-old's innocent questions.
And so we all focused with rapt attention on the glowing TV like we were watching the climax of a suspenseful thriller. We watched in awe Neil Armstrong take his first steps on the moon.
Like I said I didn't quite understand it all. But it's a life episode burned in my memory.
A found memory with all my family together, my younger brother, Brendan, next to me on the floor, sitting too close to the TV as usual.
But my father, this time, didn't seem to mind.
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