Today is the anniversary of the Challenger disaster. Back in 1986 I was in college, at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and just your average college kid. I was and still am a space nut, and that day was launch day for the shuttle. I never missed a shuttle launch if I could help it, nor a landing either. College life, if anything, made me more of a space enthusiast. So I rushed back to the dorm room to catch the launch between classes.
That day was horrifying. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was shocked and I just sat there, tears dropping into my lap when my room mate came in and freaked. I mean, tough guy Paddy crying in front of the T.V.? Then he looked at the screen, sat down and joined me. It was a tough day for the families of the astronauts, a tough day for NASA and for two college kids in love with space, it was heartbreaking.
To reach to the stars is the dream. People risk everything for just a chance to pass the clouds, to leave our little planet, to explore the big beyond. Celebrate their triumphs, pick them up when they fall, and always, always stand by those people who would dare to reach for the stars. Today is day to remember not only the crew of Challenger, but their families, their fellow explorers, and all who make the dream a reality.
Someday my friends, we will all get a chance to wander to the stars. When we do, remember all those heroes who blazed a trail through the sky. I will.
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