Space Shuttle Discovery

It’s Thursday morning, and I’m driving down Highland Boulevard on my way to work. It’s about 8:35, and usually at this time my mind is on work. But not today. Right now my mind is on space shuttle Discovery, and Challenger. I try and talk myself out of any negative thoughts as the launch approaches, but I find it’s not easy. The ramifications of another disaster are unthinkable.

And then, the liftoff. I hold my breath--10 seconds, 20 seconds. The dreaded “Go at throttle up,” and one minute later, America is in space again. I’m listening so intensely, I just now realize I am crying. I’m so proud. Proud to be an American.

Thanks, NASA, for lifting me up again.

CYNTHIA MALLER

Pasadena