I just want to bury this away. I am not sure what prompted me to turn on the television early this morning, but I did, and that was how I heard about the Space Shuttle Columbia. My stomach tightened and I was thrown back seventeen years in the past to the Challenger explosion. The same feelings of grief washed over me.

To explore, to expand the boundaries of human knowledge, to perform scientific experiments in new areas for the betterment of mankind, of these things I know very little. But I know that I appreciate the valiant efforts of the men and women who would risk their lives for such pursuits and dreams. A cause so noble and a mission so worthwhile, I mourn for those seven astronauts and wish their families hope and strength.