Astronauts followed their dreams

By Tamica Theus
Spring 2003 Scholar

Posted: Feb. 6, 2003

I barely managed one bite of my breakfast when I knew the reality of Columbia would be hard to digest. My first instinct was to cling to disbelief, as if I would hear something different if I asked, "Whaaat?"

As if each shake of my head could bring back a life, a sense of hope, a dream that disintegrated in mid-air.

As if covering my mouth in horror could prevent the sadness from spilling out.

Of course, my efforts were futile. Suddenly, AIDS, Sept. 11, death and war moved in a morbid game of musical chairs to make room for Columbia.

The dirge, however, took on a new meaning because the astronauts knew the risks but had the courage to follow their dreams.

The families take solace in that fact. I decided I should, too. God bless them, and may they forever dream in peace.

Tamica Theus, a California State University-Long Beach graduate, is a Spring Scholar at The Santa Fe New Mexican. Reach her at mstheus@yahoo.com.

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