The author recounts her solo cross-country journey in search of evidence of the Divine after experiencing a crisis of faith. During her travels in a van with her two dogs, she encounters various individuals who share their own perspectives on spirituality. Despite moments of loneliness, the author finds support and love from friends who cheer her on. As she nears the end of her journey, she hopes for a “big” moment of revelation to reaffirm her belief in the Divine.
Arriving in Hopkinsville, Kentucky for the total solar eclipse, the author describes the festive atmosphere as vendors sell eclipse-themed treats and crowds gather in anticipation. Over the course of two days, the diverse group of eclipse enthusiasts form a sense of community, with people from around the world sharing in the experience. The morning of the eclipse, the author is surrounded by individuals setting up telescopes and cameras, preparing for the celestial event.
Reflecting on ancient beliefs about eclipses, the author expresses her own hopes for a revelation that could address her doubt and grief. As the eclipse begins, she observes the reactions of those around her, feeling a sense of tenderness and connection to the diverse group of people gathered to witness the event. With the arrival of totality, the author is overcome with awe at the sight of the black disk of the moon covering the sun.
In the moments of totality, the author experiences a profound sense of being part of something marvelous and vast, reminiscent of a spiritual experience she had in a church years ago. As the eclipse comes to an end, the community begins to disperse, but the author lingers in the empty fields, reflecting on the magic of being part of the human family with all its complexities and beauty. Ultimately, she realizes that the true magic was not in the eclipse itself, but in the shared experience of humanity.
