Space shuttle launch

I had totally forgotten that today was the space shuttle launch, but my this afternoon my brother-in-law sent a text suggesting that I have the kids watch it if we had a chance. I'll be honest, to say that I haven't exactly followed the space program would be an understatement. It's just not my thing. I knew, however, that the shuttle program is nearing the end, and I also knew that my kids had never seen a launch before. HT especially loves all things related to any form of travel, either on the ground or in the sky, so I found it on the TV and called the kids to gather around the TV. Strangely enough, I found it somewhat difficult to watch. I was 12 when Challenger exploded, and for me it was really the first national catastrophe that I truly understood. Twenty five years later, I still vividly remember watching the TV for hours that evening, watching the launch and subsequent explosion over and over and over again. I found myself praying for the safety and well being of the crew, and also for my kids...that they wouldn't see what I had seen all those years ago. I was so relieved that all seemed to be a success, and I was really able to see it with new excitement through the eyes of my kids. Every day I find myself amazed (and grateful) for the perspective my kids bring to my life!