Abner Stories

Radio Silent

The loss of the space shuttle has been a difficult pill to swallow over the last week. When skiing or windsurfing, I have always been amazed at how a small disturbance can have dramatic consequences as velocity increases. On Saturday we witnessed what can happen at speeds between 12 and 18 THOUSAND miles per hour.

The astronauts who died were taking a great risk. And it is during times of risk when, as humans, we know we are alive. The moments when risk and fear peak - whether it is a life transition or riding a mountain bike down a steep and rocky hill - those are the moments when we know without a doubt we are alive. To see seven people on that edge and not return is heartbreaking.