We got home from Bible study last night just in time to watch the shuttle and space station zoom by overhead.

I got out of the car and turned around just in time to see this bright dot start over the trees!

"Oh! Quick everyone. There it is!"

The kids jumped out and Melissa and I pointed out the little light. "That must be the shuttle," Melissa said.

"No! Look! There's a smaller light coming up now."

So we stood outside for four or five minutes watching two little lights race across the sky. "It makes me think about the Millennium Falcon being chased by a Star Destroyer," I said.

"Um, not really, Dad." Said my 12 year old. "It's more like the Falcon chasing a Star Destroyer."

"Ok, I see your point. The leader is definitely larger and brighter than the follower."

"Or maybe more like a TIE Fighter chasing the Falcon."

"Fine. That fits even better."

"Or maybe..."

"Enough! Just watch the show."

"I just saw a shooting star!" That was Melissa.

"I'm getting eaten alive!" That was the Girl.

"OH! Firefighterflies," lisped the Little Guy as he ran around the yard.

And then they were gone. The shuttle and station, not the family. Once the show was over, THEN the family was gone. Inside. Away from the bugs.


On the one hand, it wasn't very exciting to watch two little lights travel overhead. But knowing that we are watching what is still only the first act in our drama and anticipating what may come later... That's exciting. Will we see a Mars colony in our lifetime? Maybe a Moon base?

Science fiction is slowly becoming reality. Maybe I should say reality is slowly becoming science fiction.

I just wish it would happen quicker.