-
Alumni Spotlight
-
A Dream Realized, by Guest Writer Charlie Robinson
- Published in: Update - Issue 2 - 2009
- Listen to Article
Photo caption:
Charlie Robinson and Leader Dog “Travis.”
I am a geek. A total aeronautics and space geek. I am still awed by a vivid memory of a Christmas Eve forty years ago when three astronauts were orbiting the moon LIVE on TV. The grainy grey images transmitted by Apollo 8 were unforgettable. Although the visual thrills and accomplishments of the missions may no longer be available to me, I still get chills listening to a launch countdown and hearing the roar of liftoff every time a Space Shuttle is sent out on a mission.
So, imagine my surprise and delight when I opened my mail to discover a VIP invitation to NASA to attend the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor on November 14, 2008. This was a dream of mine. A dream I had thought was lost to me.
Travis, my trusted Leader Dog partner, lay at my feet, still and seemingly aware of the magnitude of the moment in which we were participating. At T minus one minute, the enthusiastic crowd began to count down in unison as we faced launch pad 39B. We were all standing in anticipation. Five, four, three, two …… LIFT OFF!
I heard and felt what I could not see. I knew the launch pad was aflame as the powerful roar began. I could smell the steam from the hydrogen and oxygen mix that was propelling the rocket; I knew it was billowing around the launch pad and enveloping the spacecraft. I knew that the night sky was blazing with brilliant golds, oranges and yellows. The trembling roar crossed Banana
Creek and shook the bleachers in which we were sitting.
Travis stirred as the thundering rumble reached us. I know it was awesome. Amazing. Breathtaking. I felt a tremendous sense of pride in my nation as I prayed for the safe lift-off and eventual return of the brave men and women heading into space.
It was everything and more that I had hoped for. I thank the wonderful people at NASA for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I also thank Leader Dog for Travis who allowed me the ability and mobility to realize a dream.