A Different Moon…
As we look up in the evening sky, we notice that the bright moon is leaving its full phase.
Iconically, the moon has represented different phases, milestones, and meanings in my life.
College (circa early 90’s) - one of my favorite courses was Astronomy. I’ve always enjoyed physics, constellations, and the evolution of our celestial surroundings. In addition to astronomy, I have always carried a great deal of respect for our first astronauts. Astronauts who accepted the mission, “land on the moon and return,” even though no one had done it before.
Ranger School (circa mid 90’s) - At the time I left for Ranger school, Tiffany and I had been dating for a couple of years and I was getting very close to “popping the question.” We cried over the fact that I would be gone “3 whole months.” I said, “even though I won’t see you or get to speak with you that much - just look at the moon - I’ll be looking at the same one, every night.” It may sound corny, but it was definitely the technique I used to feel closer. As I progressed through Ranger school, I quickly learned to navigate from the moon rising in the east and setting in the west - just like the sun. I also used other constellations and stars for more “fine-tuned” celestial navigation.
Flight School (circa late 90’s) - As I learned to fly at night, both aided (WITH night vision goggles) and unaided (WITHOUT night vision goggles), the moon could either help or hinder flight. Flying unaided, the moon is typically welcomed - as it helps “light your way.” With night vision goggles on, there is typically enough ambient light to be amplified artificially to “light your way” (except in the desert - of course). Flying towards the moon, can hinder your aided flight and bleach-out your ability to see clearly.
) - Well, now I’m half way across the world, “looking at the same moon” and I don’t feel closer and it doesn’t look the same. The distance now, is exacerbated by me missing my family. We’re the STONER SIX, not some single guy in Ranger school. It also doesn’t look the same - no easily identifiable “man on the moon.” The craters exposed on the moon represent a different, unfamiliar, configuration.
The only familiar, warming thought is…”that the direction the moon is setting in, is the way home.”
Tim
SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who has recently sent care packages, including:
- Maggie Super (Edwards)
- David Rowe
- Kathy/Mina/Hattie and Tom Rowe
- Shannon and Mike Barron - with an additional thank you for setting up this blog
- Kathy Peigh
- Nathan/Helena/Elin Rowe and their DAILY postcards
- Jess Stoner/Don Stoner/Linda Bruther
- Dad
- My brother Mark and his family
I love reading your entries. Today, however, I felt you were down and lonely and I can understand. Please try to take some comfort in the fact that you are with us in both our minds and hearts. You mean so much to everyone who knows you.
The Stoner Six is a mighty family unit and nothing will ever be able to take that away even distance. It may be a while, but you WILL be back together and stronger than ever. Those bunnies will jump your bones and these moments you are experiencing now will be distant memories…sort of similar to the pain of childbirth.
I finally got a letter off to you today and finally feel 100%. Love you very very much!
Jean - September 29th, 2007 at 12:53 amJean, you’re right - I’m frustrated because I know Tiffany is overwhelmed with sick little cherubs and I cannot “affect” the situation. I cannot get there, I cannot help. I am sitting on the sidelines.
Thanks for all your help, I love you!
tim - September 29th, 2007 at 8:06 amTim
I spoke with Tiffany yesterday and she seems to be coming around…meaning enjoying cosmos at a bar!
I miss you Tim.
xoxoxoxo,
Suzy - September 29th, 2007 at 8:24 amHey Tim–
Hang in there. Even though it looks different, remember it’s still the same moon. “Combat moon” will someday sound as far back as “College moon” does–yikes!
Your family knows you love them and LOTS of other people are pitching in right now–that’s all you can ask for.
Be well.
Ann Smith - September 29th, 2007 at 10:01 pmGive thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.
and the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:7-9
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1
We love you Tim!
Alfega - September 30th, 2007 at 8:48 pmTim, Alfega, Samantha and Timmy
Hey Tim,
Koran ( 9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah;
And there was peace.
You are fighting the good fight. This temporary distance that the Stoner Six share has brought strength to your family “Unit”. I have seen it in the whites of Tiffany’s eyes. “Ain’t no mountain high enough” comes to mind as I see her resolve. You go attack your day and do your deeds and stay calm inside because that is the same moon we see.
Yours Bro,
Kirk
Kirk - October 2nd, 2007 at 10:54 am