February 1, 2003

America, this crew you chose, is the finest in the land,
And if you'll pause a moment, I will share with you my plan.
The message I delivered to the crew was very clear,
"This flight goes straight to Heaven, fear not, for I am near."

"My children I am with you, this trip is one I've planned,
Yes....this trip is something special,
it's one that God will man.
Heaven's Great Space Center needs some special help up there.
The Master has now summoned and is asking us to share."

They quickly volunteered for this mission in the sky,
Not a one was unprepared, not a one afraid to try.
"You'll go swiftly to the Master,
and that trail of smoke they'll see,
Is the 'changing of the pilots,'
for you're traveling on with me."

"You must leave this famous shuttle that you're sitting in, behind,
For the one I built that's waiting, is pure gold and silver lined,
As you search the fields of Texas in hopes to find them there,
Rest assured they're here beside Me and I have them in My care."

"You have trained them well, America,
I've observed your every test,
I stood silently and waited, until you had the best.
I needed them, America, for Heaven's Great Space Plan
Encompasses the entire globe, The Universe of Man."

"I know them well, America, these loved ones you have lost,
I selected them some time ago, forgetting not the cost.
America, my heart is grieved, by your sorrow, tears and pain,
and Though it's little comfort, your loss is Heaven's gain."

Author: Fran R. Maiers
February 1, 2003
© copyright fmaiers@aol.com

In Memory of Space Shuttle Columbia Astronauts

... Commander Rick Husband ...
... Pilot William McCool ...
...Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon ...
... Payload Commander Michael Anderson ...
... Mission Specialist David Brown ...
... Mission Specialist Laurel Clark ...
... Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla ...

You Will NOT be Forgotten!









Last email from Laurel Clark, Astronaut Columbia





‘Whenever I do get to look out, it is glorious.
Even the stars have a special brightness.’
— LAUREL CLARK

In email sent Friday 1-31-03
   Â
HELLO FROM ABOVE our magnificent planet Earth.
The perspective is truly awe-inspiring.
This is a terrific mission and we are very busy
doing science round the clock.
Just getting a moment to type e-mail
is precious so this will be short,
and distributed to many who I know and love.

   Â
I have seen some incredible sights:
lightning spreading over the Pacific,
the Aurora Australis lighting up the entire visible horizon
with the city glow of Australia below,
the crescent moon setting over the limb of the Earth,
the vast plains of Africa and the dunes on Cape Horn,
rivers breaking through tall mountain passes,
the scars of humanity,
the continuous line of life
extending from North America,
through Central America and into South America,
a crescent moon setting over the limb of our blue planet.
Mount Fuji looks life a small bump from up here,
but it does stand out as a very distinct landmark.

Mission specialist Laurel Clark

   Â
Magically, the very first day we flew over Lake Michigan
and I saw Wind Point (Wis.) clearly.
Haven't been so lucky since.
Every orbit we go over a slightly different part of the Earth.
Of course, much of the time I'm working back in Spacehab
and don’t see any of it.
Whenever I do get to look out, it is glorious.
Even the stars have a special brightness.
   Â
I have seen my ’friend’ Orion several times.
Taking photos of the earth is a real challenge,
but a steep learning curve.
I think I have finally gotten some beautiful shots the last 2 days.
Keeping my fingers crossed that they're in sharp focus.

    My near vision has gotten a little worse
up here so you may have seen pics/video of me wearing glasses.
I feel blessed to be here representing our country
and carrying out the research of scientists around the world.
All of the experiments have accomplished most of their goals
despite the inevitable hiccups that occur
when such a complicated undertaking is undertaken.
Some experiments have even done extra science.
A few are finished and one is just getting started today.

The food is great an
I am feeling very comfortable in this new,
totally different environment.
It still takes a while to eat
as gravity doesn't help pull food down your esophagus.
It is also a constant challenge to stay adequately hydrated.
Since our body fluids are shifted toward our heads
our sense of thirst is almost nonexistent.

    Thanks to many of you who have supported
me and my adventures throughout the years.
This was definitely one to beat all.
I hope you could feel the positive energy
that beamed to the whole planet as we glided over our shared planet.

    Love to all, Laurel




*** ~ Columbia Crew ... Tribute Links ~ ***

Columbia ~ All The Brave and Mighty ~ by Francine


NASA


The Gates Of Pearl A Tribute To The Crew Of STS-107


«))) Tribute to The Columbia (((»


Soberbyker's Place: Shuttle Tribute


In Memory of the Columbia Space Shuttle<

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Created 2-11-03

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