Wednesday, March 26, 2008

We waited, we watched...

Tonight, Charlie and I waited in the backyard to watch the shuttle fly over. On many of the return flights, the path brings them almost directly over our house, and night time landings are prime viewing for us. Tonight the shuttle Endeavour flew over our heads almost right through the constellation, Orion, on a southward path. Somewhere south of Orlando they begin the u-turn back north to land at Kennedy Space Center.
It's rather strange to look up into the night sky and see no commercial flights (closed airspace over us during shuttle landings) and finally see the lights of the shuttle streaking silently through the night sky, and believe me, when I say streaking I mean it really hauls ass. On occasion we hear the twin sonic booms, but not tonight. Tonight it was quiet. For a few minutes I was in awe of the accomplishments of man and I wonder what it will be like in 20 years when I am an old man. Will I still be amazed? Or will I be like so many that take technology and the wonder of science for granted. Likely not.
As I look into the night sky I give thanks to God for the advancements of Mankind and everything it brings to us.
Our lives are rich...

4 comments:

David Edward said...

the richness of your life is measured in your appreciation of the creator and the created world which He gave you to enjoy. Your wealth spills over into the lives of your friends and readers. Thank you.

Lani said...

Shuttles are cool! I'll never forget watching a launch from the roof of our building at Class 1! AMAZING!! It's so wonderful that you can live so close to experience something so awesome. Hope Charlie liked it too!

CAM said...

One of my most lasting memories from the Navy was watching the shuttle land while we were transfering some people of the Sub in P-Can. (Port Canaveral) It landed at 8:00 AM, just as the National Anthem was playing and the flag was coming up on shore. Hearing the double booms over the anthem and seeing the shuttle from my Sub was amazing. Thanks for letting me relive it a little in your post.

carmilevy said...

That is the coolest thing in the world - what a privilege to be able to see it happen right in front of your eyes. We're waaaaay up north, so we can't see it live. But I always load up NASA-TV on my laptop when the shuttle launches and comes home, and we turn it into a festival for the kids.

Like you, I always want this kind of thing to seem magical. Something tells me it always will be to those who take the time to appreciate it. Beautifully put.