Astronaut's family throws a 'career shower' celebrating her achievements and people are inspired

We all have celebrated bridal or baby showers but have you ever heard of career showers? That's exactly what this woman's family did to celebrate her career milestone. Kellie Gerardi, an astronaut and a mom, shared a video on Instagram showing how her mother organized a "Space Shower" to celebrate her second space mission. The inspiring video starts with the text overlay, "POV: The women in your family throw career showers with the same energy as bridal and baby showers," and it has been viewed over three million times since being posted.

In the video, Gerardi is seen standing with her mom before showing off the space-themed decorations of the party, including a banner in the background that reads, "Let the adventure begin." She then films the snacks that were there at the celebration. One of the snacks had a picture of her and her daughter and on the other one it was written, "Astronaut Era." The text overlay gives some more context regarding the celebration. It reads, "Welcome to my 'Space Shower' celebrating a 2nd spaceflight assignment and research mission." The astronaut is then seen opening gifts and enjoying a glass of juice with her mom and daughter.

In the next clip, she opens a gift with her daughter, who is later seen playing with space-themed toys. Gerardi's mother also made a dish with a star in the middle of it. "I love that my daughter is growing up knowing that both family and career milestones are cause for celebration," the text overlay reads. The video ends with a clip from her last space mission playing on a digital frame. The video is captioned, "Or is it technically a 'Space Sprinkle' since this is my second mission...? Either way, this is your sign to consider starting a new family tradition and celebrate all the things!"

People in the comments shared how much they loved seeing this celebration. @katewritesit commented, "As a fellow mama, PhD and career woman - I love this so much! Celebrating you, the beautiful example you’re setting for your little one and millions around the globe, and your upcoming research mission!" @_sunshineliving wrote, "More women needed this as they were growing up. I know I sure did. Congrats on everything you’ve achieved and pre-congrats on all you will." @beccs.reads expressed, "I love this so freaking much! Because women should be celebrated even if they don’t choose the 'wife and kids' lifestyle! I cannot wait to implement this in my life. Thank you for everything you do to inspire women every day. You’re amazing and I hope every day that I raise girls as confident and happy as you!" 

@joanaintech said, "When we uplift each other the magic happens! Career achievements are huge milestones that should be celebrated too, our purpose as women is not to just be caregivers! We can be anything we want to be and I’m here to celebrate it. Huge congratulations Kellie! Love your content." @imagica13 commented, "Our family celebrated my last promotion. Nothing like your party and space trip. But I still earned every glass of wine and carb on my plate! Yes for celebrating careers and promotions for women!" 

You can follow Kellie Gerardi (@kelliegerardi) on Instagram for more content on her life and work.