I grew up in Wyoming so I treasured my panoramic view of the stars as seen through the dry mountain air. But, apparently, I had always viewed them with some sort of anchor in the scene such as a house or a tree. One night I decided to position myself with no earthly objects to clutter the view; I saw only stars. In one terrifying second I experienced my body plummeting into space. I grabbed the grass to keep from falling and steadied myself by looking at our house. I felt shocked and silly!

If sadness overwhelms me or depression threatens to oppress me, I look at the stars. I now live in a cit...