RICHFIELD, Ohio — Seven years ago, mathematician and astronomy expert, Art Cornell, wrote to all 10 of his grandkids with a special wish: To watch the total solar eclipse in April 2024 with this entire family.
He wrote, in part, "I will have a 50/50 chance of being with you. If not, I want you to celebrate anyway."
On Monday, April 8, at 94 years old, he was there to celebrate with 9 of his grandchildren and all four of his kids, who wore both matching sweatshirts and smiles.
They flew in from all over the country to be there, seven states to be exact: New Jersey; New York; Ohio; Michigan; California; Colorado; Massachusetts.
Art and his beloved wife Joan have been married for 68 years. When planning for this event. they needed to find a meeting point and they settled on Cleveland.
"So we decided sort of a central area, and we said, 'Cleveland, that sounds a nice place to go.' So that's why we're here," Joan, 92, said.
Being here is a dream come true for them, because Art's passion runs deep.
"I think it was in junior high school that I read about the moon going around the earth," Art said. "I thought that was amazing. So I've been interested ever since."
In fact, he often shares his interests in astronomy with others in his native Cape Cod, by giving talks around town. That's what he did Sunday evening with his family members, too, in their hotel. He taught more than two dozen of them about the solar eclipse.
Many of his loved ones say his enthusiasm for astronomy has inspired them to follow their passions, no matter what they are.
"I think our grandparents have instilled in all of the family, like a deep curiosity about whatever it is that they do. You know, whatever their passion project is, do it, pursue that, be passionate, be persistent," said oldest granddaughter, Lillian Fenner.
Cathie Cornell is the oldest daughter. She gets emotional when thinking of all her parents have done to lead the way for the family.
"I just remember as a child always doing nature trips and my dad would show us models of the solar system using an orange and explaining how everything works. And, I ended up going into science. I'm a scientist and I work in Boston in research," Cathie said.
"They've kind of motivated us to pursue some really cool things," said grandson Ian Tarr.
"I am so happy over all of that, that, and I am so proud of my family," Art said.
The family chose Furnace Run Park in the Summit County Metro Parks to watch the once in a lifetime event.
"I didn't really think this was going to happen!" Art exclaimed.
But, it did happen, and it was glorious to witness.
As the eclipse began, Art's joy was uncontainable.
"Oh my gosh! It's almost covered!" he said with glee.
Now, the dream he hoped for was just minutes away.
"It's starting to get dark! This is it! The shadow is gone. It is total! Oh my gosh, it's total!" he said.
It was a moment Art read about in an astronomy book written nearly a century ago.
"They knew this was going to happen. 90 years ago!" he said.
Then, as light broke again, Art gave out one more shout of glee: "Yay!"
"We experienced it. You did it," Cathie said to her dad.
"Wasn't this a good idea?" Art asked Cathie.
"It was a very good idea," Cathie said.
Art's mission was accomplished. With that, there was only thing to say: "It was perfect," he said.
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