Something to cheer about

The Apollo 13 Crew returned worn but victorious

“We missed the moon,” said Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell when he realized a mechanical breakdown necessitated a change in flight plans. 

I recently re-watched the Hollywood version of this real-life drama and was, once again, amazed by the incredible obstacles the crew had to overcome just to return to Earth, having circled but never having stepped on the moon. Even though they did, indeed, have to abort their mission to the moon, the astronauts still captured all of America’s attention and imagination. Gripped by hope and fear, people watched and waited and wondered. Then, after many nail-biting close calls, the men miraculously came back alive and well, and the country let out a collective sigh of relief. People cheered. People cried. People hugged. Then they cheered some more.

I wonder if we would have found as much to cheer about had these brave men gone to the moon and returned in the same, perfect, ho-hum fashion of previous missions. What is it about such crises that knocks down barriers and makes us feel comfortable, even if momentarily, high-fiving and hugging perfect strangers? Aside from offering our prayers and paying our tax dollars, most of us had nothing whatsoever to do with that now-famous “successful failure.” Yet, by merely spectating, we somehow felt we played a personal part in “NASA’s finest hour.”

Such triumphant historic moments can galvanize people. Although we neither plan nor hope for such crises, they do happen, and usually without warning. For example, the nightmarish attack on the World Trade Center towers both angered and terrified us. As we watched heroes emerge from burning buildings, escaping death and rescuing others from danger, we applauded their heroism together.

We can experience less dark and horrific moments as sports spectators while cheering for an athlete, a team, or even a nation. Miracle, one of our family’s favorite movies, allows us to relive the unlikely victory of the underdog U.S. Hockey Team at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Unfortunately, even with all their sheer guts and glory, the Olympic Games can also divide us along national lines.

Still, as humans, we continually yearn for something to cheer about. So, we attend baseball games and parades; we follow political campaigns and wanna-be American Idols. Most often, though, achievements are more commonplace and less public. These personal triumphs are perhaps the sweetest victories, especially when no one stands on the losing side. For instance, a baby’s first steps or a child’s first time unlocking the reading code are moments of great celebration for everyone. Mastering a difficult piano piece or passing a driver’s test can also be reason enough to share high-fives all around. Yes, the crowds may be smaller, but the victories are still sweet. Such moments are not to be missed because, from time to time, all of us need something to cheer about.