#rememberingchallenger

You didn't make it, not physically.

30 years later, I still feel the horror I felt then. I still cry when I remember. I still feel so much for not only the families of your crew, but for all my classmates who experienced the same things I did.

We watched a dream literally explode, but thanks to your crew, their families, and so many people who simply refused to give up, that dream did not die.

The years since have been true tests of courage, fortitude, conviction, and the ability to keep dreaming in spite of what happens to us. What happened that day turned from a horrible accident into a light of inspiration.

I didn't see your sister on her last day, so the pain I feel over her loss, it just doesn't compare to how I feel about yours. Not only were we students watching you fly, one of our teachers was part of your crew.

Very few days have passed that didn't have me thinking of you in some way. I hope that is how it will always be.

It keeps you and your crew immortal.

A child's dream, still flying.