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By Michael Angier | ||||
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| Some Thoughts on the Loss of Columbia | ||||||
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My wife and I have only seen one shuttle launch—STS 75 in 1996. It was seven years ago this month and it was Columbia. There have been 32 shuttle launches since then. Unfortunately there have been only 31 landings. The demise of the seven crew members aboard the space shuttle was tragic. The world mourns and our sympathies go out to all the friends and family who knew our brave astronauts. When someone makes a permanent departure from the planet, it's sad for those left behind. To have such a spectacular accident occur with wreckage strewn across hundreds of miles of our southern states makes it even more grievous. The memory of that fireball streaking across the sky—like the burning twin towers—will be with us for the rest of our lives. I was stunned by the tragedy. But it wasn't until I sat down to write these words that I realized how emotional it was for me. No tears had come—until today. Any significant event has things to teach us, and this one is no different. Here are a few of my thoughts as I reflect upon what's happened and some of what we might draw from it. They Were
Heroes Firefighters, policemen, rescue workers and all who risk their lives to save others are heroes, too. So also are teachers who educate and inspire others, medical personnel who treat the sick and leaders who actually lead. We are surrounded by heroes. I couldn't help but think about the families of the five Marines killed in a helicopter crash recently in Afghanistan. Hardly anyone remembers their names because their deaths were less public and the accident less dramatic than Columbia's. But they are heroes nonetheless. Risks Little Things
Matter Like our own lives, our destinations are the result of what often appear as little things. But, as Bruce Barton wrote, "Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things . . . I am tempted to think . . . there are no little things." Take Nothing for
Granted And nothing about our lives should be routine either. I am committed to take nothing for granted. We should never become complacent. Life is far too precious and many before us have paid too dearly for what we have. We Move On In the wake of yet another national tragedy, I remain convinced the human spirit is invincible. Let us remember of ALL our heroes; all gave some, some gave all.
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