The Birth of Moon Child: Growing Up NASA

 

First a kernel of a thought, a memory of a precious childhood experience. Just a niggling that kept recurring giving way to memories of a lifetime and the birth of this biography.

... “Sandwiched between horses and marching bands we were slowly driven down the city streets of Houston with cheering crowds rubber necking, gaping back at us. I gazed up at high rise buildings dwarfing us while seated in the convertible back seat with my family.  My blonde hair peeking out from under my turquoise cowboy hat following dad’s direction to wave and smile big at the crowd just like a little junior Miss America.  The wave and smile came naturally for dad, his big jovial smile lighting up the crowd as he humbly waved back, saying hello, many people wanting to shake his hand.  He was humble, took it all in stride, shaking his head in disbelief with his typical rolling laugh.  He knew they were not really there for him but for NASA and the astronauts.  They were the real stars, he was their representative.  He had been to Houston many times paving the way, meeting the mayor and city officials working out the details to move NASA to Houston, helping to create NASA’s main headquarters as the country embarked on the “Final Frontier”.  

 

The parade route ended, we disembarked the open convertible car and entered the giant stadium for the rodeo, my first ever western, cowboy rodeo.  The unequivocal and distinct excitement in the air was enthralling and hypnotizing. Our little family moved forward, walking together, hand in hand with dad at the lead along with the crushing flow of the crowd.” ...


‘Moon Child’ is the true story of a NASA family, specifically a little girl’s adoring love of her Daddy and family during the most adventurous time in modern history.  My father, Martin A. Byrnes Jr., the first Manager of the NASA Space Research Center in Houston, Texas during the 1960’s.  Working as an integral part of the Space Task Group reporting to President Kennedy he penned the report which led to Houston as the final home of the ‘NASA Space Research Center’.  As a primary NASA liaison dad wore many hats in Houston and Cape Canaveral.  He was also held and integral position onboard carriers at sea for every Project Mercury launch and flight.

Gus Grissom being lifted from the Atlantic.
Experience the nail biting moments before the release
of his capsule to watery, ocean depths.

There were many smiles and tears while writing this biographical documentation of Byrnes family legacy. Come and share in the Irish Catholic, NASA, Byrnes family journey from the early years of NACA to NASA and the Final Frontier. You will experience 'Baby Boomer' nostalgia, tracked by the songs and music of the decades along the way. Take the journey with the Byrnes family through those post WWII boomer years right up to Space Shuttle years.

Please join me as I share my life... Growing Up NASA. 


*** Read a sneak peek and order your copy here on Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1mep2KD

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~~ Susan Brookes, United Kingdom
... 

" This Beautiful and True account of a middle class family starts in Post War America takes the reader down Memory Lane to times that will always hold a Gentle and Special Charm and to events that will forever and rightfully be part of History. Endearing, Funny and Informative – this little Gem of a Book is a Must Read! "