25 years later

Today is one of those days that sit here and think back at a memory that you aren't sure is real or maybe you saw it on tv. Well, today's memory is both. 25 years ago today, many of us sat as school children watching the Challenger, excited about the prospects it brought, only to have it blow up in the sky. I was 11 years old that day. I remember feeling like it wasn't real. (kinda like 9-11). I remember everyone, everywhere being in shock as if it wasn't possible. 73 seconds after launch. 46,000 feet into the air. An "explosion" on live tv at 11:39 am as the shuttle disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the Florida coast. 7 people lost their lives.
 Michael J Smith, 40, liked woodworking, last words "Uh-Oh." Father of 3.
Dick Scobee, 46, enjoyed motorcycling and flying. Father of 2.
Ronald McNair, 35, 5th black belt, prepared to record a saxophone solo in space. Father of 2.
Ellison Onizuka, 39, first Asian American to reach space. loved the outdoors(hunting and fishing). Father of 2.
Christa McAuliffe, 37, TEACHER. "I have a vision of the world as a global village, a world without boundaries. Imagine a history teacher making history!" . Mother of 2.
Gregory Jarvis, 41, ENGINEER. played the classical guitar. Avid squash player.
Judith Resnik, 36, classical pianist. from Akron, OH

Today, as a Mom, I can't help but think of those astronauts' families. I can't help but think of those children who grew up without fathers or a mother. I can't help but think of the ladies who became single mothers.. the father who became a single father. How very difficult their journey had to have been. We all think back to what we were doing and how it affected our lives. That is so insignificant compared to the loss of these families.
So today, I say a prayer for those families who watched, along with the entire world, their loved ones perish above the Atlantic Ocean. We shall never forget.