Teamwork
As the Orion spacecraft sped into darkness when it rounded the moon, all contact with Earth was cut off.
For the next 40 minutes, humans choosing to watch this significant event waited for a response. The silence was eventually broken, much to the relief of all involved, from astronauts to ground control.
The public, tuned in to watch the Artemis II journey beyond the moon, saw history made. Orion reached a distance of 406,771 kilometers from Earth. For context, that distance is 10 times the circumference of the planet.
Within hours of this newspaper heading to press, the work of that team will go public. Shots from the far side of the moon and the wonderment of space travel as told by astronauts will fill hearts and minds around the planet. Budding adventurers will dream of their chance to one day explore the galaxy.
The four-person crew of the Artemis II mission each had tasks and assignments to ensure a successful mission. From maintenance to experiments and positioning of the spacecraft, everyone knew their roles, practiced hundreds of times so that when called upon they could do their part.
One can hope such an event encourages people to think big again – far beyond the individualism that has gripped this planet in recent times. Working together helps everyone.
A kinder way
Diplomat and Canadian politician Stephen Lewis passed away at the age of 88. He was a force in Ontario politics, running under the New Democratic Party banner. During his tenure he was speaker and former leader of the Official Opposition of Ontario. From 1984 until 1988 he served as Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations.
Lewis could be counted on to speak of ideals and larger issues of that time. AIDS seemed to specifically ravage continental Africa and despite being a world away, Lewis championed that cause amongst many others.
It might surprise readers to know his appointment with the UN was at the recommendation of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Premier Bill Davis, both Conservative leaders of that era. It was a different time and despite the obvious political differences, Lewis’ sincerity and genuine good nature commanded their respect.
Coverage of his demise included a touching story of Lewis and Mulroney conversing as the former PM lay dying. As the story goes, they shared three words that few men have the confidence to tell one another: “I love you.” The dichotomy of that candid moment with today’s politics and its irreverence for differing points of view could not be more pronounced.
We need to find a way back to that measure of dignity and respect.