As I write this, I am currently up-to-date with my On Demand corners-of-child-rearing viewing of Astronaut Wives Club (I know, I KNOW. Mom victory!) and 3/4 of the way through the true-story book that inspired the show.
I first ingratiated myself in astro-culture when my sister said, “You have to watch this show. Seriously.” She said “seriously”, so I tabled my go-to excuses of having no time and I’m-so-tired-I’m-passing-out-as-soon-as-I-get-the-kids-in-bed and got on board. And I’m so glad I did.
As I started watching and loving the show, I knew I must read the book too–this was a fascinating piece of American history to explore! So I snatched a copy up from the library and dug in.
And I am wowed. Wowed as this era of history becomes vibrantly real to me in way that my 7th grade social studies books were unable to deliver.
As I excitedly delve into the world of the wives of the first astronauts and their families, Rene, Trudy, Betty, Jo, Louise, Marge, and Annie have become my new heroes.
In days marked by tremendous change and great uncertainty, their incredible class and grace under fire is astoundingly inspiring. Of course they weren’t perfect, but they got so much so darn right–in a time when it mattered so darn much.
1) They valued friendship. They had young kids and were jealously, constantly competing for their own husband’s flight status. They decided to be friends and commit to supporting each other anyway. How boss.
2) They got up every morning and got dressed. Listen, I’ll never stop being a fan of yoga pants, I promise, but I also know when I get up in the morning and pull myself together, the tone for the day is be far more positively set. Dressing for success is a real thing.
3) They supported their husbands. Regardless of whatever era or movement we’re in, standing up for what your partner believes in and encouraging them along the way will never go out of style.
4) They didn’t give up on their own dreams. Trudy’s passion for flying and Rene’s refusal to let go of her own voice? Inspiring.
5) They lived their lives regardless of their children. I know, I struggle with this one too. But the truth is, there was a time and place in history when children were not the central force around which all adults orbited. Moms cooked, cleaned, and made time to chat with friends while the kids entertained themselves. And they still turned out okay.
6) In the big moments, they were together. Regardless of what was going on in their own lives, when someone’s husband was launched into space in a rocket, they made sure they were together. When the American president was shot, they came together to mourn. The commitment to remain beside someone is a valuable gift.
7) The “little things” mattered. Granted, to a 1960s Texas housewife, air-conditioning was not a “small thing”, but they didn’t take for granted the conveniences as we so often do in modern-day. They knew a running washing machine was (and it still is) a blessing.
8) They knew that, at the end of the day, things were beyond their control. Watching your husband launch into space in a small vessel had a way of reinforcing that regardless of endless planning and prepping, you had no control over what happened. This life can change in a blink of an eye. Time to start praying indeed.
9) Privacy mattered. The Astrowives were in the media, but they maintained boundaries within their Life magazine contract. While it was important to share their stories with the world, what was private family stuff appropriately remained private family stuff.
10) They kept putting one foot in front of the other. The idea of Betty Grissom mowing her lawn in her curlers while her husband prepared to shoot into space gorgeously highlights the value of getting up every day and doing what’s before us, regardless of how big and daunting life may be. To me, this is true heroism.
So, Astrowives, here’s my Standing O to all of your classy coolness. Well done. Well done. The world may long remember your husbands, but to me, you’ll always be the superstars who rocked the Space Age.
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Janine Huldie says
I am so loving this show, too and a bit behind on my reading in the past few weeks though sadly, but still on my list to read, too 🙂
Meredith says
You will love reading the book after seeing the show–will be so fun to compare the too, Janine!
Kathy at kissing the frog says
Ummm, so glad you wrote this. I adore this show. I want to be a 1960s housewife! 🙂 They had to have their stuff together, but they were real with each other. That’s the part I love. And I’m still on the waiting list for the book.
Meredith says
This is what my sister keeps saying over and over–she wants to be in the 1960s. They did have so very much together and did it all with such class!
TheNotsoSuperMom says
Defintely now on my “to-watch” list!
Meredith says
I think you’d love it!
Eli@CoachDaddy says
I’ve never seen the show, but I love the lessons. They apply to parents and also bloggers, don’t they? We can support each other and be there for each other, but some things just have to remain private. Anyway, I have huge admiration for the women who stood by their astronauts in that era.
Meredith says
Exactly, Eli! It’s the life life lessons that apply to us in whatever age, stage or area we’re in. So admirable!
Shay from Trashy Blog says
I picked this book for the book club I have with my dad and niece, and although they could hardly get through it because of the poor writing (sorry!), I made it through that part because I adored reading about the history. Someone said they were like the first “Real Housewives” or the first reality show, because everyone in the nation was enthralled by them and just SO INTERESTED in their lives. I was no different. Regardless of the sentence fragments, I loved the book. I’m also loving the show because it is so awesomely retro…I am constantly noticing things that were still around in the 70’s and 80’s, like the three small windows lined up diagonally on a wood front door. Love love love.
Meredith says
I agree, Shay, it was a weird style of writing for me. I wondered if this was because Koppel was trying hard to report only quoted material and avoid making any speculation? In any case, the material was fascinating enough to stand on it’s own and yes, I am so captivated by other eras of history! Love that they were the original “Housewives” 😉
Meredith says
When you say watching “On Demand”, do you mean through a cable provider such as Comcast or Hulu or ???
I saw a segment on them on CBS Sunday Morning and was curious to watch and read but, of course, it slipped my memory until I read your blog post.
Meredith says
Yeah, I think we have Verizon? It’s about 6 episodes in at this point, so maybe you could catch up this way or through online streaming? Let me know if you do!
Deborah Weber says
You’ve just added this to my must-watch list. I mean seriously. 🙂
Meredith says
Seriously, that’s awesome 😉
Amy says
I find myself almost panicking and angry when each episode ends. I want more, Dang It!!
Thanks for Writing this Meredith … you took the words outta my head!
Meredith says
I totally get that, Amy! It’s hard putting our favorite gals on hold for a whole other week! 😉