A Little Boys Dream

A five year olds dream is about to die this week and it is very sad. Way back in 1980 a little boy was sitting in his front room, the only light was from the large 35 inch console TV. His family had just got cable and they were going to watch there first movie on HBO. The movie was Star Wars, and that little boy sat there in total amazement at what he was seeing. He had never experienced anything like in his life. He so desperately wanted to be Luke Skywalker or Han Salo. He wanted to fly the x-wing or duel the Evil Darth Vader. That was a five year old boys dream that spurned a passion for sci-fi as well as an interest in astronomy and the space program. I am That five year old little boy.

I was so excited Wednesday to see Discovery take off after over two years of waiting. The first thing i did when i got home from work was to get on the computer to watch the launch. I was saddened to learn that there again was a problem with the foam insulation and that the shuttle program will be grounded. From what i am reading it may be 2014 before we are back in space. i applaud NASA for being safe, it is just sad for me.

I hope we continue our adventures in space, and i hope the private sector gets involved because i think that is the only way people like me will ever get into space in the next 50 years. Before i die that is what i would want to do. It would be the culmination of a five year olds dream that right now looks a little bleak.

May the force be with you.