It was one of those "things to see and do in our lifetime" goals – to see a Space Shuttle launch in person.
I am so glad we made the decision to go to Florida to see the launch of Endeavor. It was all at the very last minute – my husband, Matthew, and I had just three days to make air reservations (we got the last two seats and were even upgraded to first class!), we had to clear both of our schedules which were very full, and then had to reschedule air travel and re-clear our schedules again when the launch was scrubbed three times, and there was a day in between the third and fourth try. All our clients realized how important this was to us and supported and cooperated with our rescheduling. They were almost as excited as we were that we were actually going to realize this goal, and at the same time, they could see that we do walk our talk.
All in all, my husband and I agreed that we would realize the goal of seeing the Space Shuttle launch no matter what and no matter when it went off - and that was it.
The blast off was one of those moments that absolutely takes your breath away. We were invited to observe the blast from only 3.8 miles away, closer then anyone else could have gotten. It was in the area where the astronauts going up on other flights, and their families, were watching. It was so close we had very strict instructions on what to do if there was a failure at blast off, and on how to get to safety. Thank God, it was a perfect blast off.
We were honored to have been personally invited to be with the VIP group by my husband's cousin, Ray, who works with NASA. Not only were we included in the launch viewing, but the pre- and post-launch events as well.
I love NASA. The pride they show, the highest of standards and boundaries they maintain. They take such a stand for their vision and what that vision does for mankind. Nothing gets in the way of them realizing their vision; they focus on what it takes to get it done. NASA is a real community, too. They treat all of their employees and their families just like family. They never take a flight for granted, and they hold human life so high with extreme safety and care. Every time they have to scrub a launch, it costs somewhere around $1 million dollars. But if the conditions are not perfect, they didn't care - safety is still more important. They are so proud to be American and number one in space flight. They want to keep that position and are not willing to be number two, yet willing to work with other nations for the good for all. WOW! We should all run our business and our lives this way.
I also realized how many people just aborted their goal of watching the blast off and went home once the first try was scrubbed. Even more left on the second try, and and a whole lot more left after the third scrub. I asked myself, "How many people let go of their goal before the miracle of realizing it? What would their life and business be like if they just went that extra mile or extra 1%?"
Experiencing the NASA environment and seeing the Shuttle launch as a very powerful experience that I will never forget. It made me even more proud to be an American.
Safe flight and happy landings to the astronauts of Endeavor and all the fine people of NASA!
Patti Kouri, Accelerated Performance Coaching
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Hi Patti, I was able to view a shuttle launch a couple of years ago while flying from Atlanta to Miami. It just happened that our flight time coincided with the launch time; and the view from 20,000 feet was spectacular. I'm sure it was even better from your point of view.
Wow, very cool! I'm glad you checked that off your list. Thanks for sharing..
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Those are fantastic pictures! I was working on a project in Boca Raton, FL the day that the space shuttle launced with John Glen! Even though it was a tiny speck in the sky you could still see the massive flame out the back, and knowing John Glen was on board, just sent shivers up my spine! DAC
Patti,
I liked the photos and your article. Very interesting.
very cool, that has been on my long term to do list and I hope to see it one of these days!
Patti, I was able to see one of the Apollo rockets take off back in the early 70's I think it was #11..it had the lunar buggy on board. It was so cool to see, glad you were able to get this one done...it truly is a once in a life time thing to witness.
Wow is right. My husband would have LOVED to have been in your suitcase.
The incredible power of intention. I am so glad you both had such a fantastic adventure.
Patti,
That would be a sight to see. How great that you were able to realize that dream.
Hi Patti, isn't that just an amazing event, and to see it so close. When I saw a launch so many years ago the closest we could get was the beach at Cocoa Beach. That launch had been delayed several times over several weeks. I was in town and put my antennae up, checked to see the launch schedule -- and ended up being in the right place when it launched (minutes to spare!). Thanks! John
Hi Patti!
I am so impressed that you followed up on a dream! It is awesome that you stuck to it even though there was plenty of rescheduling! You go girl!
Hi John, As my husband and I were flying home, we both thought how cool would that be to have been in the air at the same time as the launch! That must have been spectacular. Glad you were able to see it. It does take your breath away. Warmest, Patti
Hi Michael,
Thanks for stopping by my post. Yes, one more checked off. We're in the process of "What's next?". :>) I want to revel in this experience for awhile. Warmest, Patti
Hi Dennis,
Oh my gosh! How cool that must have been?! Something happens to you when you are experiencing history being made, isn't there? These guys are pioneers, just like those coming over on the Mayflower. Very, very cool. Warmest, Patti
Hi Steven,
Glad you liked the photos. I wasn't sure I would get the blast off as I took the shots from OVER my head so I was able to watch with my naked eye the blast off. Thankfully, they did turn out pretty good. Thanks for stopping by my post. Warmest, Patti
Hi Robert,
If this is one of your goals too, you better get on it. There are only a couple more shuttles going to the Space Station. This mission will be done in less the 12 months. It will be a long while before the next mission goes. I believe they are going to the moon with the intention of firing something at it to cause an explosion to see if there is any water there. This is one of the reasons my husband and I went from, WISH I would see launch to WILL go see the launch. There is another one scheduled for this August. This one will bring back one of the astronaunts that stayed up there this trip. Go for it Robert. I promise it will be worth the effort. Warmest, Patti
Hi Steve, How cool that you also got to witness a launch. It's hard to put in words isn't it? I'm so glad we got to see it. Warmest, Patti
Hi Norma, You are too funny. I can't tell you how many people ask to be packed in my suitcase. :>) Too funny. Warmest, Patti
Hi Brian,
Yes it was VERY cool to have realized that dream. Have you experienced realizing a life goal too? It just gave me soooo much energy. I just want to keep going. It's even helped with smaller goals that I've had some procrastination with. Thanks for stopping by my post. Warmest, Patti
Hey John, Now that atenna up is The Power Of Intention in full swing!!! Being in the right place at the right time. Love it. Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Warmest, Patti
Hi Paula,
I can't tell you how much power, therefore energy, in just following through. Once we committed, there was no way we weren't following through. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to connect. Hope to talk again in the future. Warmest, Patti
Hi Patti,
It is an amazing event to witness in person. I was able to take my son (10 at the time) to watch a space shuttle launch two years ago and it is something we will both remember.
Tim