Friday, December 24, 1976
Despite my reassurances, the first half of the mission found me moping around the house. It was almost as if Al were M.I.A. again. But he's not, I had to keep telling myself, he's right up there with the stars. Each night as I laid in bed, I kept the shade up so I could look up at the stars. It made me feel closer to Al. The baby's kicking helped my spirits, too. Like I had told him the night before he left, a part of Al was with me at all times. And you're making me black and blue. Our child definitely had Al's energetic personality.
"You're eager to meet your daddy, aren't you?" I asked my bulging middle. A sharp kick answered me. "Ow. I'll take that as a yes."
I paused in decorating the Christmas tree Sally and Rick had delivered earlier to check my watch. Almost time. I switched off the radio, silencing Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" in favor of Walter Cronkite's news broadcast on the television. I left the tree and sat in the chair that had belonged to Al's father. One of Al's uncles had salvaged it after Mr. Calavicci's death and left it to Al in his will. It had been his father's favorite chair, which made it even more special to Al, and hence, to me. I wrapped Al's flight jacket around my shoulders in lieu of a blanket and deeply inhaled the lingering scent of his aftershave.
The introductory music faded as Walter Cronkite started his opening remarks, giving a brief overview of the mission. "Tonight we will be sharing in a very special event. The Apollo astronauts will read from the book of Genesis on this Christmas Eve." Photos of each astronaut flashed on the screen as Cronkite continued. "Captain Phillip Rains will begin, followed by Commanders Albert Calavicci and Timothy Sheldon. As you know, Captain Rains and his crew have been orbiting the Moon this Christmas week. And now we bring you live to the Christmas Eve broadcast from Apollo."
The scene changed to a view of the planet from space as Phillip began reading from Genesis. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Phillip continued reading for ten verses; his voice in combination with the photo of the Earth was very stirring. Even more moving to me, though, was when Al took his turn to read.
"Hear that? That's your daddy," I said to the baby as I rubbed my tummy.
Tim read his section of the passage last. The first verse of "Joy to the World" played before Walter Cronkite reappeared on the screen. He briefly pressed a hand to his earpiece before speaking. "Ladies and gentlemen, NASA has just informed me that the astronauts will now deliver a personal Christmas message to their families and friends." The picture changed to the flickering transmission from the Apollo capsule.
Phillip, Tim, and Al's faces reflected their excitement. I couldn't help myself. Like a child, I moved from the chair to sit on the floor in front of the screen, my hand extended toward the image of my husband. After Tim wished his wife a Merry Christmas it should have been Al's turn, but Phillip went next. Al looked as surprised as I was that he was being given the honor of delivering his message last. Phillip finally offered an explanation as he concluded his Christmas message.
"I know Commander Calavicci is confused about why I've decided to switch our plans and have him go last." Phillip gave Al a wink. "The reason is that Al and his wife are apart this Christmas because of this mission, and they're expecting their first child in just a few weeks. So we're giving Al the final moments for his message to his family."
Al was speechless for a moment before he recovered and addressed the camera, and me. "Beth, uh, you were right about how beautiful it would be up here. I wish you could be with me to see it." He laid a hand over his heart and paused, remembering that the entire nation was watching in addition to me. His message remained reserved, but his eyes spoke volumes. "I'll be home in a few days, honey, and then we can have our Christmas together. Until then, look for me in the stars. Merry Christmas, Beth."
"Merry Christmas." I ignored Cronkite's wrap-up and moved to the window. I tucked Al's jacket tighter around me, cradled my belly, and stared up at the stars.