I woke up about 20 minutes ago and sat down at my computer to deal
with things that I thought were very important. Things such as fan
emails, complaints, yahoo groups and various other business issues.
As I am debating which so-called important issue to deal with first,
a news story catches my eye on AOL, "Shuttle Columbia lost and all
crew members suspected dead"

My heart sank, and I immediately forgot about the seemingly trivial
issues I was about to deal with and focused on fact that the United
States and the human race, had just lost another seven heroes of
science and research. Seven dedicated men and women had just given
their lives in the name of advancing the US Space Program and our
overall knowledge of our planet/universe. As I pondered that, I
started feeling very small and elected to simply ignore my so called
job today, and concentrate on some issues that really matter.

I want to thank and pass on my condolences to the friends and
families of this shuttle crew. Your loved ones were the bravest of
the brave and the very best America, and the world, had to offer.
They spent their lives being educated at the finest institutions in
the world, only to apply that education in the service and
advancement of us all. They were dedicated to a cause they were
willing to, and ultimately did, give their lives for. That makes
them heroes and martyrs of the human race.

How do we go about earning the right to experience their loss and
advance ourselves off the knowledge they have provided? I wish I
knew. I am going to attempt to earn that right today, by simply
spending the day with my children at the park. I hope to, as I watch
my twin one year olds play, understand both the loss experienced by
the familles of the crew and how much better our lives are due to the
life-long sacrifices of such heroes.

Its humbling to think that these seven people are the first of many,
I expect will die, in the coming months. More dedicated heroes will
give their lives on the streets of Baghdad fighting to free us from
under this yoke of perpetual terrorism. To this sacrifice, I humbly
lower my eyes and bow my head. My wife and my sons will not forget
these sacrifices made on our part and on the part of a free,
democratic society. I feel so proud to be an American I feel like
crying.

To our President, George W. Bush. You and I do not often agree on a
great many things. That does not at all mean I do not have the
utmost respect for the awesome job responsibility you bear. I pray
that your orders are received and carried out by our armed forces in
a manner befitting American ideals and morality. Please do your
very best to safeguard the lives of our men and women as you do what
you must do. My wife and sons are counting on you and we know you
will handle what needs to be handled, no matter what it is.

I think it is time to go to the park and have lunch with my sons. I
am going to go sit and watch them play under the blanket of freedom
provided by hundreds of thousands of men and women I do not even
know. This is the highest honor I feel, my family can bestow on
such individuals of honor and dedication.

God be with the crew of the shuttle, their friends and family and
every member of our armed forces.

With humble appreciation,

Britni & Michelle (my wife of 3 years)

Topic Moved by - Steph on Feb 1 2003