Time and Love

            This past week, we discussed the significance of the decision of the crew to return back to Mars to save Mark Watney. The unanimous verdict came after an extended amount of time spent aboard the Hermes III, which draws attention to the strength of the crew’s relationship. Further, they added another 211 days to their trip in order to rescue their friend. When considering the act, the magnitude of time becomes increasingly apparent.

            The addition of 211 days to the crew’s trip undoubtedly comes at a cost. These days further delay their return to Earth to see their families and friends. The willingness of the crew members to take on this extra time allows for insight into the bond that the Ares crew shared. Further, their relationship (and decision) drew my attention to the connection between time and love. This complex is illustrated again in the world’s affixation with Mark Watney. While there are a few factors that contribute to why the entire world became fascinated with his story, I also believe that the amount of time that he spent on Mars heightened the feelings that people felt for him.

            This notion of enhanced feeling stemming from an extended period of absence holds true in our daily lives. For example, in my own life I feel that the bond between my family and I becomes stronger as the time that we are apart increases. The desire to see and spend time with each other heightens as the days pass, and our love becomes more and more palpable. I feel that time and love tie together perfectly in this sense. Time grows the palpability of love, while also serving as a testament to the strength of the feeling in the case of the Ares crew and Watney.