February 01, 2003
If you're following the news this morning, then you probably already know that Space Shuttle Colombia broke up on re-entry this morning over central Texas.I remember crying when Challenger was lost during launch on January 28th, 1986. I was a college freshman then. I'm a more soul-calloused individual now, with 18 years more experience, some of it personally tragic, behind me, and if anything I am more distraught now than I was then. I'm better able to imagine the personal losses experienced by the families of the astronauts, and better able to understand the cold consolation offered by words like "courageous," "pioneer," or "sacrifice."
I'm not going to try to put this in perspective, or in any way mitigate the tragedy encompassed in today's news. My prayers are with the friends and families of the Columbia astronauts, that they might find comfort and solace today. It's all I can offer, I'm afraid.