History in the Making

Day 126:

Today was an historical day, Conor.  Today we would see the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery; though not of its own power.  The mighty Discovery was piggy-backed from Cape Canaveral, Florida on the back of a Boeing 747 - call sign "Goliath".  Accompanying the duo across the sky was a Northrop Super-Sonic T-38 Talon; call sign, "Pluto" (fitting in comparison to the gigantic 747 - and I don't care what your school books tell you, Boy'O.  Pluto is a planet!)  Together they were quite the site, Son.  

My colleagues and I scurried around the outside of my office building in Tysons Corner looking for the best angle to witness the retirement of this truest of legends.  The historic flight taking off from Florida at roughly 7:00am en-route to Dulles Airport's Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.  Once there it would take the place of the model shuttle, "Enterprise" that's been on display for years now.   Unlike the Enterprise, which has never taken flight let alone endured space travel, the Discovery, by its last mission, had flown 149 million miles (238 million km) in 39 missions, completed 5,830 orbits, and spent 365 days in orbit in over 27 years.  Like I said - legendary!

Aside from a sweet smile from you, Son, seeing the shuttle made the day.  It's one of those things that's so unique, and so interesting and all I wanted to do was tell you about it!  Of course I did, but you're perhaps a smidgeon to young to know what the heck I'm talking about - hence this blog.  Documenting the days of your first year, Son.  And so far, well, I suppose there's been much to say.

If you ever came home and told me you wanted to be an astronaut, Son, I would support that 100%... After all, flying is in your blood.  Twice over.

I love you, Conor.

-Dad