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EVERYTHING KING: Billionaire dreams are out of this world

In this week's Everything King, Wendy goes from cynic to cheerleader, because the new space race is on
2021-07-11 Earth from space
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When you are so rich that you run out of ways to spend your cash on Earth, I guess you head to outer space.

As we witnessed on Sunday, Sir Richard Branson, of Virgin Galactic, became the first billionaire to take a rocket out of this world.

In days, he will soon be followed by fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos, of Amazon fame.

I have to admit I wasn’t initially overly interested.

I figured it was just a couple of filthy rich dudes in a space race for branding and bragging rights.

But, while watching live coverage, I got completely sucked in to the excitement of it all.

I learned it was not just a lark but rather Branson's childhood dream to become an astronaut, and also a 17-year effort to get the spaceship built.

Within an hour, the team was up and back on solid ground in New Mexico, no less. (Think Roswell.)

Seeing him embraced by his little grandchildren, I could have wept.

I remember watching humankind first walking on the moon. The teacher wheeled that big television into class, which meant two things: we were going to get out of work and something exciting was about to happen.

I was always interested in NASA and shuttle launches. I considered astronauts to be heroes and true adventurers.

By the time the Challenger exploded in the sky in 1986, I was working in a radio newsroom and will never forget that moment in time. Who could?

To this day, when I hear Mission Control say “go with throttle up,” my heart skips a beat.

Here’s a little known fact: Before NASA decided that it should be a teacher, Christa McCauliffe, to be the first civilian in space, it was supposed to be musician John Denver.

Since that disaster, I was too apprehensive to watch future lift-offs until I was sure all had gone to plan.

But on Sunday morning, I tuned in to see what all the hype was about. 

I started out actually feeling slightly disinterested.

But isn’t there something better these two billionaires could do with the money?

Couldn’t they pour some into finding a cure for a disease, hunger or global warming?

But then I stopped myself and decided instead of being a dream squasher to celebrate with those who poured their heart and soul into this endeavour.

It would not be my deepest desire, but that’s because I am neither competitive nor a thrill-seeker. I have also heard you are required to state your accurate weight so they can figure out fuel levels, etc.

To be fair, it is their money. They earned it and have every right to spend it however they choose.

It's impressive they are still chasing their dreams.

Branson is hoping space travel will be eventually be available to regular folks.

Does it sound unbelievable?

Sure, but didn’t the doubters say the same thing about the Wright Brothers?

Didn’t they become just a couple of rich guys with a vision?

I found myself watching this test flight with a lump in my throat.

It was truly remarkable.

So, I hereby suspend my judgments and celebrate with all who are so passionate about space travel.

In this world, I welcome anything that makes it seem there’s a bit of “unity” as the craft was named.

I celebrate a little boy’s dream of going to space.

To quote Branson upon landing: “It was the experience of a lifetime. If you've ever had a dream now is the time to make it come true.”

Words weren’t really needed. His broad smile said it all.

And then they pinned on his astronaut wings and my heart soared a little, too.


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About the Author: Wendy King

Wendy King writes about all kinds of things from nutrition to the job search from cats to clowns — anything and everything — from the ridiculous to the sublime. Watch for Wendy's column weekly.
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