January 28, 1986 was a day in American History, that I WILL NEVER FORGET!! I recall very vividly, of walking into the Jordan High School Library, in Sandy Utah.
I was in the 10th grade, and the 9th graders were to join us soon, to watch the launch of the CHALLENGER SPACE SHUTTLE!! I handed in my assignment early; so Mr. Zabriskie excused me before any of my classmates. I was one of the first to go to the Library. I remember that the large, box television sitting on the cart; already “tuned in” to the news channel, awaiting the countdown.
Do you remember those “taller than me,” awkward, four metal shelved and rubber lined carts that the classrooms could borrow from the School Library?
Oh, yes! I do!! Especially when I was assigned to pick it up and roll it down the steep ramp. At least when I was younger these carts frightened me. If I didn’t hold on tight and watch were I was going; I would most definitely get ran over!! 🤣
There was A LOT OF EXCITEMENT as we Students gathered to watch the the News Station. 📺 I couldn’t wait! THIS EXPERIENCE WAS SO AWESOME! Especially, knowing that a school teacher was going to be taking part in such an AMAZING ADVENTURE!
The COUNTDOWN began! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!! All of us were silently expressing excitement, because we didn’t want to miss anything! We ALL could NOT WAIT!! Then, just a few minutes in, as the rocket was heading upwards in the sky. Suddenly the sound of one ENORMOUS, ERUPTING, EXCRUCIATING, EXPLOSION!! Oh my goodness, this was the MOST HORRIBLE SIGHT ever!! Especially in the eyes of a Sophomore and Freshman Class!!
Happiness, laughter and excitement, without hesitation, turned into POIGNANT WAILING!! The kind of emotion that NEVER should be felt!! The rest of the day, the hallways seemed to echo this horrific event!!! I WILL NEVER FORGET the sounds of such MELANCHOLY!!!
To the SEVEN Astronauts, who lost their lives that day!! You ALL are my heroes and will never be forgotten. Space Science IS FAR MORE SUPERIOR because of your unselfish SACRIFICE!!!
~Cheri
