update 220213: In Autumn of 1969, my (half-)sister was not yet seven and I was not yet fourteen, and we were both fresh to Hawaii and living in temporary housing. Her father (and my nemesis) had recently been transferred to his new assignment at Pearl Harbor and the Navy had yet to find permanent billeting for his dependents. July’s moon landing was fresh in our memories, and I was the weird kid who was super excited about the Apollo program. Looking up at a clear night sky, she asked me if I would take her with me to the moon, and I assured her that if that’s what she wanted, then I would.
You probably already know most of the intervening story, but years later I began to feel the pangs of having disappointed both myself and her, which was prompted by advertisements for a quarter ounce silver coin forged in the image of Luna. In the same package as the coin, I also sent her a copy of my latest novel, and this letter:
28 July 2020
Hey Kid,
Every promise carries weight, and as the years go by,
if they are not resolved, they get heavier and heavier.
Promises made TO children carry the most weight. Weight of commitment, because it is as important to teach children to trust as it is to teach them to be trustworthy, to cherish and to honor as much as to be cherished and honored.
Promises made BY children carry a different kind of weight altogether. Weight of charm and weight of sentiment. And the very least weight of commitment. Children are childish and they do and say childish things, so we tend to take them less seriously than other people. Still, we do want to encourage them to live up to their commitments as best they can, and to expect the same from others.
That boy standing on the balcony by the tabasco tree in Waipahu meant every word he said when he promised his sister the moon. I think by now we can give him a bit of a break. He was young and naïve and optimistic. And plenty stupid. He’s still plenty stupid, of course, that never changes, and naïve and optimistic, but not so young. A little more experienced perhaps, and maybe a little more cautious and circumspect. Certainly, less hasty to lead with his heart.
Still, a promise is a promise.
For now, Kiddo, this is the most moon I can manage.
Sorry about the delay. Enjoy!
And I haven’t completely given up hope on the actual moon,
but it’s not looking all that promising.
her response (210822): “Good morning, [Gene], I want to thank you very much for the book and moon coin. I have not started the book yet, but will soon. The letter and moon coin brought tears to my eyes.” For all of my contempt for her father, I am nevertheless grateful that he lived, at least long enough to sire her. It may be the only good thing he ever did. I think she’s the best, and her husband, children, and grandchildren all seem to agree with me.