Space Dad

I think of the first time Dad took me to the planetarium. I didn’t understand space or the difference between stars and planets. The mystery added to the attraction, though – I decided that day I’d become an astronaut.

I couldn’t have done it without Dad. When I applied for the astro physics PhD programme and the family consensus was that it might be time I started a family, Dad challenged their outdated notions.

I wish he’d lived to watch the launch; the cancer took him too early, so his ashes are coming to the Moon with me. But not back.