It was 1978, and I was coming home from two weeks at camp. On the bus, they were giving out presents. Next to me was a kid who was given an Eagle. It was big, like some special edition kit. I waited for my gift: a plastic ball and bat. I told him he was lucky. He responded with “I hate this and I’m going to burn it when I get home.” I tried to trade with him, offer money, nothing worked.

I remember watching him kick it as he walked with his family. During my car ride home, I told my parents what a shame it was to have it go to a person who didn’t want it. Fortunately, on Christmas Day of the same year I got one. I still have it, but it would have been nice for that Eagle to go to someone who would have appreciated it. Sci-fi of today is the tech of tomorrow. Some people just don’t get it. I’m glad I do. I am part of a community of like-minded people who see beyond the confines of today. Who see tomorrow as a great adventure. An adventure among the stars.