the writing and photography of Neil Kramer

The Ticker-Tape Parade

Dear Meg, Allison, and Bill Jr.,

Wasn’t that an amazing day?  I can’t stop thinking about it.  There were millions of people lined up Fifth Avenue, cheering so loud that it was deafening, like a rock concert.  And then the ticker-tape fell from the sky, like multi-colored snowflakes, littering the city streets. 

And it was all for ME!

You were all so proud.  I saw in your eyes.  Me — Bill Addison, your husband, your father — the first man about to make a solo trip to Jupiter!

I remember that day so vividly.  Don’t you?  I can’t believe that it was thirty eight years ago. 

Anway, not much new here.  The trip to Jupiter is still in progress.  It gets lonely at times, but then again, it’s only another twenty-seven years before I reach Jupiter, and then — who knows what I’ll find?!  Woo-hoo, party!!

I know these emails don’t reach you, but know I’m thinking of you!  I hope you’re all enjoying life.  Is Gramps still around?  I’m always looking at the family photo — the one we took at the Ticker-Tape Parade.  Whenever I sit down with one of my NASA food packets, I imagine you guys here with me, chowing down. 

I’ll never forget that Parade.

Love,

Bill (Dad)

13 Comments

  1. natalie

    uh. i’m not even sure what to say to this post.

    way to go bill! someone has to explore jupiter…we are all rooting for you!

  2. DaveX

    Dad– It’s Bill here. Believe me, we get your e-mail. You don’t need to CC a copy to everyone on our Xmas mailer, either. You may be all by yourself in the asteroid belt, but someone has to take the inevitable ribbing whenever you attach another picture of yourself using the zero-G toilet.

    –Bill

    PS- Please quit sending me e-cards!

  3. Memarie Lane

    Is Bill twitching at all as he writes this?

  4. Jane

    Soon, drops of Jupiter will be in Bill’s hair.

    Zero gravity is a bitch.

  5. AnnieH

    Out with it Billie Buster Addison…Who are you and what have you done with our beloved Neilochka??(and is there any matzoh brei left?? I am starving down here on Planet Earth.)

  6. Neil

    Written under the influence of Contac cold medicine.

  7. gorillabuns

    I thought this post was written under the influence of something heavier, like alcohol.

  8. Violet The Verbose

    Apparently I’m sappy ’cause that actually made me almost tear up like I do when I hear the part of that song (you know, *that* one) where Houston can’t hear Major Tom anymore…

  9. Violet The Verbose

    Uh, I mean Ground Control, of course…

  10. piglet

    are you aware that your other personalities are posting blog entries on your blog?

    hee…

    very interesting “hook” bill.

  11. Krissi of Krississippi

    Like, um, I’m not even sure what to say… because I’m… clueless? AHUHWTF?

    LYLT,
    K

  12. Danny

    Hot damn, I’m on major cold medication this week, too, and it doesn’t make me anywhere near this creative. I love this post!

  13. elaine

    am i the only one who found this post sad? (oh hi there violet) love it though!

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