Hi everyone.
Today is the day I have been waiting on for seven years now.
I remember it like it was yesterday… It was 2010 and I was at home watching The Universe. It was an episode about total eclipses. I remember one of the scientists saying that the next total eclipse visible from the United States would be August 21, 2017. I started mentally preparing myself to be wherever the best spot was on that day. (I don’t like traffic and crowds, but I was willing to face them both for the eclipse.) 
Then, that same scientist named the cities in the U.S. where totality would be visible… and I almost peed my pants. One of the cities was Columbia, SC. That was only about twenty-five minutes from my house and it would take place a week after my birthday and the day after my dad’s birthday.
Suddenly, my dream of experiencing a total solar eclipse had come true. All I had to do was wait… seven years. I remember telling my mom and sister (and probably everyone else I knew) and everyone was interested. My mom told me stories of the last total eclipse she’d seen. She was convinced I was born, but after some research I learned that it was in 1979. I wouldn’t be born for another two years.
The first solar eclipse I witnessed occurred when I was a teenager. I was in the seventh or eighth grade. It wasn’t a total eclipse in the U.S., but it was still fascinating. I remember the teacher let us go outside to look.
Today, I live in Columbia, SC and from all the news reports, people are flocking from all over the world to witness the longest totality. I hope the weather will remain clear and everyone will have a safe and pleasant experience.
My mom wants me to come home and view the eclipse with her. I told her I would be leaving the longest totality if I went there. They should all come to my house… I’m just saying. Then my sister said that I should view it with her. We are both bird enthusiasts and we want to see how the birds are going to react to the eclipse… especially the hummingbirds (the backyard is filled with them.)
So, do I leave the longest totality and go with my sister or mom? I haven’t made up my mind yet. (But I’m leaning heavily on viewing it with my sister… sorry mom.)
Everyone, remember to where your eclipse glasses and be safe. 
Peace and Love to All
Fairwren Publications 