Posts: 1998
From: Toms River, NJ,USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 12-19-2012 12:23 PM               

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Evan, in addition to tweeting from his father's account, gave this powerful essay on what it's like to be an astronaut's son.

By happenstance I met Cameron McCool, son of Columbia pilot Willie McCool. It was during a visit to see astronaut Don Pettit, and the two were talking. I noticed Cameron's name tag, and politely inquired after the two were done if my assumption was correct.

I don't remember the conversation — other than perhaps an awkward "God bless you and your family" before I left. But Evan's right about someone dying not once, but a thousand times. Part of my journalistic instincts was to ask him whether or not I could talk to him for an anniversary story on Columbia (the 10th anniversary is next year.) But I didn't. And I don't think it was because I was mad at work. I dunno.

Posts: 872
From: UK
Registered: Apr 2005