THE DAY I MET NEIL ARMSTRONG

It Eclipsed Everything

Photo Credit: Kathy Perry

Dr. K.K. Solacoff and family watching the Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024

Even though NASA came to Forest, Ohio, a tiny town 13 miles from us and officials said thousands of visitors were expected in Wyandot County, I never thought the Solar Eclipse would be the awesome astronomical occurrence it was.

With Wyandot County on the center line of the path of Totality and a beautiful 70 degree afternoon, conditions were perfect for people who had traveled from distant places like Seattle and Scotland to watch the moon pass between the Sun and Earth for two and a half hours. Decked out in my special-purpose eclipse glasses, I joined in the clapping as it began reverberating throughout our tiny town when the Moon completely covered the Sun for 3 minutes and 55 seconds.

Street lights came on at 3:10 pm when the Totality occurred.

I began pondering the natural event and my Life as I watched the Sun start reappearing and the birds start chirping again, knowing I wouldn’t be alive the next time it occurs here in 2099. I read that this magic of perception happens because even though the Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon, the Moon is 400 times closer. As I was watching the Moon move across the Sun, I remembered another very special moment for me: the day I met Neil Armstrong.

I am republishing the story that I wrote July 25, 2022 about meeting Armstrong because many of you hadn’t Subscribed yet. I think you will enjoy it now.

I was standing near the tee box at a LPGA tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio, watching our favorite pro Emily (Bastel) Glaser getting ready to hit her drive when I saw Dr. Solacoff, our favorite hometown doctor, crossing the fairway with an older gentleman.

“Jan, have I ever introduced you to Neil Armstrong?”

I had to bring myself back to earth before stuttering, “No, Doc, you haven’t. I’m glad to meet you, Neil.” Did I just call him “Neil”?

I knew Kotcho had been friends with Neil Armstrong since they were both Boy Scouts in Upper Sandusky during the 1940’s, but I had no idea he was bringing the Apollo 11 astronaut to walk with us on the golf course that day.

Every once in awhile, I would sneak a closer peek at the American hero while we chatted about Emily and Upper Sandusky. I can remember getting chills when I looked down one time and noticed his feet — the first feet to ever walk on the Moon!!!

Later in the day when word got out that Armstrong was following Emily, the reporters started showing up. His reputation for avoiding the limelight must have been true because he and Doc decided it was time to leave. I waved good-bye as they took off — two of the most humble men I’ve ever met.

I love what Armstrong’s family said when he passed away in August 2012: “ Honor his example of service, accomplishment, modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the Moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

And so, as the Moon eclipsed the Sun last Monday, I winked. I hope Armstrong could see it.

It’ll Be OK.

~~~

“I don’t mean to brag, but I put together a puzzle in one day and the box said 2-4 years.” ~ Cool Funny Quotes

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