by James Dreyer

Created on: June 05, 2007

I remember my first trip to the Earth's moon; I was scared silly. I shook all over and couldn't sit still. What a ride! The noise was tremendous; we were under full rocket power the entire trip and it wasn't just noisy the entire ship shook like one of those vibrating beds you find in motel rooms.

I looked over at my best pal "Squeaky". He was trying as hard as he cold to turn his head and look out of the window. Of course he couldn't move. He was strapped in tight and the G-Force caused by the acceleration needed to break the Earth's atmosphere had him pinned down.

Suddenly things changed; instead of feeling like there was a thousand pounds of weight on my chest and arms I now suddenly felt as light as a feather. Why, if I wasn't strapped down I could have floated up to the control deck and looked out of the windshield.

I still couldn't believe that I was actually on my way to the Moon! My scout troop had worked all year to try and win this trip. We sold soap and light bulbs and held rummage sales and did chores to try and be the biggest "Earners for Ernie". See, Ernie is a kid in our town who needs an operation that costs lots of money so Ramjet Rocket Company held a contest to see which scout troop could earn the most to help old Ernie out and the troop that earned the most would get a two day all expenses paid trip to the Moon!

Yes sir, it was hard work but we did it. And here I sit now strapped in a chair on the sleekest silver rocket to ever burn rocket fuel and I was headed full speed for the Moon. I can't wait for that first step!

Time to take that step now. I eased my leg over the side of my bed and gingerly put weight on it - ouch! It was painful, but I could walk. I banged up my knee sliding into second base last night and that's why I am home in bed on a Saturday morning instead of being out on my bike with the guys. But at least I have a good book to read. Man, is it good! I almost feel as if I am on that rocket ship headed to the moon!

And so it goes, as it always does for me; when I read a good book I get so involved in it I become one with the characters and the plot. I lose track of reality and live in a fantasy world for a few wonderful moments. I let all of my troubles drift away. I don't worry about work or the kids or the wife or anything else. I just read and let the author's words run my life for awhile.

Of course, I come back to reality after a time and put the book away and go on with what I have to do. But it is so very comforting to know that anytime I need to escape I can pick up a good book and get lost for awhile.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to catch the shuttle. Captain Kirk is waiting for me on The Enterprise and I don't want to be late.

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