I Remember

I remember the launch of the very first space shuttle, Columbia.  I had a unique view that day.  Our family was living in Venice, Florida, at the time and  was told that the launch from Cape Canaveral, on Florida's eastern coast could be seen from the western gulf coast where we were.  

At the appointed hour on April 12, 1981, we gathered in our yard...full of excitement at such a new adventure...full of pride that "our" people had accomplished this...full of adrenaline at the possibility of seeing this first journey of its kind LIVE!  It lived up to the hype and we could indeed see it from our front lawn.  From that day on, our family followed the program closely.  We never missed a launch or a re-entry.

Which means that, of course, when the The Challenger took flight on January 28, 1986, we were watching.  By then the shuttle launches were somewhat routine...this was #25...but we were die hard fans, gathered around the TV in my parents' living room.  This was the first time a non-astronaut citizen was part of the crew, adding to the excitement.

It's strange now to watch and listen to the video.  I distinctly remember bursting into tears after seeing it explode, but the TV commentators were relatively non-reactive...uncertain what had happened and what to say.  It  was hard to believe what we had just seen.  Surely this couldn't happen after all this time!  We know what we're doing!  How can this be?  What a sad day.  And what a humbling day.  Man, even in his most glorious accomplishments, is fallible and frail.

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing?