Remembrance: They Were Flying for Me

Twenty-eight years. Seems like so long ago, and yet so vividly close as to still seize my heart. Although the anniversary was a couple of days ago, the moment did not pass by me unnoticed - rather, I just chose not to comment until today. I thought about letting it pass, but a stray reference brought my attention to a song that commemorates the day and the people whose pioneer spirit still lifts some of us today.

The pursuit of the heavens through human space flight is at its lowest ebb in two generations, at least sometimes it seems that way. Perhaps it is just changing. But I am glad that for some, that dream remains alive, if not vibrant as yet to recapture the imagination of the people.

I somehow had never heard this song before. But it captures so much:


I have to be reminded from time to time that the pursuit of dreams, while not always fulfilled, nevertheless enriches us in the pursuit itself. Yet the pursuit must have a prize, an aim, lest the energy for the pursuit be lost. And so we must reawaken and nurture those dreams, whatever they may be, whosever they may be. May we never stop reaching for the stars, literally and figuratively.