The forgotten ones

I learnt today that, Janet Elizabeth Armstrong, passed away recently. Jan, as she was commonly known, was the first wife of Neil Armstrong; whom we all remember as the first person in human history to walk on the moon.

After learning this news I feel compelled to offer a brief tribute. All too often the headline-grabbing achievements of modern heroes, sports stars and titans of industry involve a spouse or family members toiling silently in the background. Their tireless efforts ensure the bills are paid on time, the children are fed and clothed and the many chores of daily life continue unabated.

While Jan may have never walked on the moon, without doubt, her efforts on the home front freed her husband to focus on his deadly and dangerous career. I don't know about you, but I feel Jan deserves her moment in the sun. Here's a link to a tribute published by the Houston Chronicle in June.