Regards from a Sky & Telescope Reader

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Mr. Ramsley,

I read my latest Sky & Telescope late last night, and I was moved by the letter about your daughter.

Your description of the shared joys of astronomy reminded me of the relationship I had with my grandfather. He died 34 years ago, when I was 12, but I can't look up at the sky and not think of him. His enthusiasm for the stars, for telescopes, for anything related to the sky was shared with me as if I were an adult. He took me seriously when I asked questions. He was patient. He was a teacher. He was so happy to have someone to whom he could pass on what he knew and loved. Several months before he died, he helped me grind a 6 inch mirror. We worked hard, and although our testing showed that there were flaws with our mirror, they were MY flaws. He didn't do it for me, he let me enjoy the work, no matter how it was to turn out.

Only recently have I realized how much my grandfather benefited from our relationship. At a time when you are probably acutely aware of what your daughter meant to you, take pride in what you were to her, as well. Unfortunately, parents and children are often far from being friends with each other, but astronomy has a way of forging bonds between unlikely partners. You obviously feel lucky to have had a daughter like Jenny, but she was lucky to have had you, too.

My regards to your wife,