November 9th, 1989, the Berlin wall was torn down in an effort to forge trust between the US and USSR (Russia). This was a huge day for me, but first I must diverge to tell how it felt to be a kid during the 70’s and early 80’s, (nevermind those who were older and saw it build momentum.)
Growing up in those days was always filled with hints of worry. The gas shortages, Iran Hostage Crisis, possible nuclear annihilation from either the US to USSR, or USSR to the US. Very few of us knew about it but we are finally getting word that a system glitch on our side almost caused WWIII, but the discernment of a fabulous Russian officer kept war at bay. He saw the signs, but hoped it was an error. He was right. The world carried on none the worse for wear.
February of 1980, my sister and I were out helping dad move firewood. It was warm, and dry which was unusual for Montana, but we enjoyed it. Dad mentioned wanting to go inside soon to watch the Olympics as the US men were taking on the USSR hockey team. I asked what would we do if Russia sent nuclear weapons and Dad said he didn’t know.
‘Nice reinforcement there Pops,’ was about all I could think. We carried on and not too long afterwards I heard Dad holler that it was time to go in, we were going to miss the beginning of the match, so we went in and I promptly went back to my room to read.
I soon was distracted by the chanting of, “USA!, USA! USA!” that was coming from the television. This I had to explore. It was the second period when I plopped down in the middle of the living room and became engrossed in it and I vividly remember Rizzo’s high stepping after he made their third goal. The ‘Miracle’ game that was expected to end differently, reflected everything I believe Coach Brooks had envisioned when he chose his team. This moment was the first time in my life I felt like the Russians were not invincible. We had a chance to survive this weird little thing called nuclear posturing.
And then there was 1989.
Way back when I started this crazy blogging adventure, you may have seen a post regarding a train explosion. If not, here is a brief summary. February 2nd, 1989, it was 35 below zero with a windchill that made the temps around 75 below. Shortly after 4:30 in the morning I woke up. Miss Slept-Through-Everything was wide awake checking to see what was wrong. I checked my clock and for lights in the parking lot. All on, so the power hadn’t gone off in the cold. I tucked myself back under the covers and my sideboard (our beds at Carroll had a headboard that ran the length of the beds).
Just as I was getting comfortable, there was an explosion, and as I spun to check my window, a second explosion hit sending my curtains flapping against the ceiling. The concussion blew through my room and with a scream, I dove under my covers to wait it out as I didn’t want to get hit by glass.
This is about the time I thought Russia, the USSR at the time, had bombed us. I negated that almost immediately because I wasn’t a fine pile of dust, so, no nuke. The greatest fear I had had since childhood had made an entrance only to fade away because the explosion was too close to me not to have destroyed everything had it been a warhead.
That joyous wintry moment was how the year seemed to start for me as that was most memorable at that point. That is until the following fall. We heard murmurings about it, so a couple weeks afterwards, our Sociology professor shared a video of the Berlin Wall being torn down. That dream I had had since 1980 when I understood that we were under threat of nuclear winter, had finally come true.
I can only speak for a small town Montana girl, but boy was this a relief. I miss those early days. The sense that the American and Russian people were on common footing and that life was only going to get better. Much like September 12th 2001 felt, in fact. A sense of unity that is seldom seen. Only in 1989 it was a worldwide sense of relief.
I only wish you could experience what we had for a while. Maybe we will forge another moment of cooperation soon, so you can truly understand.
Here’s to hoping.
I wish you all the best.
Good morning, goodnight wherever you are!
Kath
