Since he died almost 3 years ago, I find that although I think about my Dad many times throughout every day, there are some days where the gap he left in my life just can not be filled.  These days, I just wish I could call him and talk about how Chris Hadfield, has become the first Canadian astronaut to command the International Space Station. Dad had many roles in life, one of which was a farmer, which he told me, whether it was while he was combining or hauling grain, was the kind of job that gave him a lot of opportunity and time to think about the state of the Universe.   He was interested in many things, too many to mention here: from history to science fiction, to mythology to anything about animals and nature and how the earth works.  And when I was a little girl, he would sit with me on the front steps of our house at night and teach me about the constellations, the planets, and the milky way.  He thought the Universe was mysterious and magnificent and magical beyond what we could imagine and if he were here, he would have been keenly interested in what Chris Hadfield was doing way up there. 

From what I read, Commander Hadfield is a really busy guy and yet, he takes any spare moment he has to tweet photos and stories about what space is like, allowing us to get a glimpse into how beautiful this world is, from way up there.  While he has had an amazing career, even for an astronaut, (he has been the first Canadian astronaut to float freely in space and operate the Canadarm in orbit), what is arguably an even bigger deal, is how he is sharing this experience with us, the kids sitting on their front steps with their dads, looking up.  I know I have written before about how much I love the Internet.  This is one of the reasons why.

Here is one place you can check out some of those pictures:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/photo-galleries/chris-hadfield-s-view-of-earth-from-space-1.1099966

My friend, Kara Exner, is a professional coach, trainer, and facilitator, and a friend my Dad once told me was too important to ever let go.  In her belief that we all have a role to play in leaving the world in better shape than we found it, she has created The Changemaker Project, a project that delves into the perspectives of people who are making successful and positive change in our world.  She has recently highlighted Commander Hadfield's FAQ link where he answers questions about what life is like in space.  Kara is brilliant; everyone should know her.   You really should check out her facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TheChangemakersProject?ref=ts&fref=ts

On this gloomy, snowy day in Saskatoon when most of us wonder if Spring will ever come, I am lucky enough to be right back on that front step of my memory, looking up at the stars with the first big thinker I ever knew.  And tonight, I will not be sitting on the step with my own children (too cold), but we will be talking about Commander Hadfield, looking at pictures he has shared with us, and widening our imaginations on what it is like way up there. 

wishing you beauty and wonder,
hk