Moments in Time

I want to write about 101 moments in time that I wish I could have experienced. They are in no particular order.

1. Standing on the sidelines while the first steam engine train was being prepped to make its maiden voyage across the country to the west coast. Hearing the engine start and seeing the giant plume of smoke burp from the vehicle's crown. Thoughts racing of how this will change the country, people's lives, the economy, life as it was known. Watching the wheels budge ever so slowly as it takes baby steps towards its ultimate purpose of reaching the Pacific Ocean. Catching out of the corner of your eye to look of bewilderment on a wagon driver's face as he thinks about how this mighty machine will impact his livelihood. Feeling the cheers, excitement, and exhuberance secrete from the audience as it pulls away from the depot. I wish I could have been there.

2. To be an unnoticed servant in the palace of Queen Elizabeth I of England, perhaps polishing silverware or laundrying day after day, and only see Her Majesty once. However, that one episode, leaving such an imprint of being privelidged enough to among the company of angels, was the shining jewel in your memory that never dulled as age stole your youthfulness and narled your hands so you could no longer work. To exerpience such a level of delight would be humbling.

3. To be the first sailor to spot the Spanish Armada on the southern horizon on her way to tackle the pescky English. Shouting below and alerting one's superior that the enemy has been idenified. Like a game of "Telephone," a lower class mate would frantically knock on the captain's personal cabin's door and stutter the news that the Spanish have been seen, not knowing the number of ships, only relaying what one was told. Cowering at the boom of the leader's voice as orders are cried out. The spotter in the crow's nest watching his mates scatter around like ants over a juicy pie crumb would know that he was the flame that sparked the first shot in the battle. Being a part of history that nobody would ever remember.