Stargazing is one of the most relaxing activities. It helps in reducing stress and makes us more compassionate toward others. Most of us have been fond of stargazing since our childhood & still we do love doing this. It works like a release from the chaos of the world. You can’t agree less as to how amazing it feels to be surrounded by the silence of the night and the calm of the night skies, away from the din of the city.
Near to this feeling, is the story of Shawn, whose adoration for skywatching changed his life, and how Gift A Place helped him in turning his dreams to reality. Shawn was brought up in Scranton, a city in Pennsylvania. He met Natasha during an inter-school competition. He was a sports enthusiast and took part in almost all the extra-curricular activities. He still remembers how his heartbeats started increasing pace by pace when she caught him staring at her from across the school corridor. “Why are you staring at me like that?” she had asked him in a snobbish tone, after the day 1 competitions were over. “I am sorry… it's just,” this was all that he could say. Because he knew how baffled he’d become when she came near him.
On day two, they met again as the school representatives, regarding the discussion of the events to be followed for the day. After spending some time which, of course, increased their familiarity, they came to know about each other’s where-abouts. Surprisingly, they had many things in common, one such was their love for nature. Meanwhile, day two passed, with only two out of ten teams being selected for the final round of the debate, which was to be held the next day. Soon, day three ended and Natasha's team won the final round of the debate on the topic, The Importance of Nature. Natasha’s team was celebrating their victory but Shawn was somehow disappointed by the defeat.
After packing his luggage to leave for home the next day, he went to the terrace as he couldn’t sleep. Something was disturbing him but he couldn’t understand what it was. He was almost lost in his thoughts, when he heard a familiar voice saying, “Yes. I'll be back tomorrow.” It was Natasha, he knew the sound of her voice. “I’m sorry for today,” she said to him. As a smile danced on her lips.
“It’s fine. You all did a fabulous job,” he replied looking into deep-brown eyes once more.
“The stars remind us that we’re part of a larger universe. I wish to learn more about it,” said Shawn, looking up at the summer skies and twinkling stars overhead. “Yes, you’re right,” she replied in a low voice. “Though I won today, you know nature better than me.” They both, instantly, gave another turn to this topic, and it was during this chit-chat, Natasha, realized that Shawn loves her. And she too, like him, had a change of heart.
They returned back but kept in touch. None of the two had yet revealed their feelings for another. However, that summer night, those dazzling skylights have seized them in a magical moment that cannot come out from. Deep inside they knew that this magic bubble is where they wanted to be together and forever.
It has been two years and they have shared many special moments together but Natasha wanted to do something really memorable to celebrate Shawn’s birthday. In a moment of thoughtfulness, it came to her mind that Shawn really loved stargazing.
Hence, she thought it would be perfect to give him a special moment under the stars.
After researching, she found an observatory where they could spend the whole night sky-watching and learning about the stars, celestial bodies and the universe from experts. On his birthday, Natasha surprised him with the special gift. They arrived at the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles just before sunset and were greeted by a guide who would show them around the facility and give them a private tour. Shawn was overwhelmed and couldn’t believe his eyes.
As night fell, Emily and Jack were escorted to a special rooftop terrace where they could view the stars without any obstructions. The sky was clear, and the stars twinkled brightly. The guide pointed out different constellations and explained their significance.
As they crept under a warm blanket, Emily took out a photo-frame from her bag. Inside it was a piece of paper that read– “ Dear Shawn, this is just to let you know that I love you to the moon and back. I have been trying to say this to you for years. I know your love for stargazing is beyond my explanation. I can’t, in reality, bring you the moon and stars but I can virtually do that. The picture you see is a priceless memory to you from my side. I am glad to give you ‘your happy place’ through the Gift A Place certificate. This moment is special, but our love is even more so. I promise to cherish every moment we spend together, and I'll always be by your side."
Tears welled up in Shawn’s eyes as he hugged Natasha tightly. He knew this moment would be etched in his memory forever. As the night came to a close, they thanked their guide and made their way back. They knew that their love story was not just about the big moments but also the little ones that they shared together. Natasha and Shawn promised to continue to create new special moments and cherish their love forever. That first night when they met on the college terrace, under the open summer skies, has bound them in a spell that would forever remain unbroken and keep them united for years to come.
Celebrate your special moment with your loved ones, Gift A Place to your loved ones, celebrate your special moment with them and take back countless memories to remember.