a father's fantasy

a father's fantasy

fiction
edward w pritchard

Could someone who knew everything be able to see a little into the future. Maybe she did not know everything but receiving a perfect SAT score is pretty smart. Did she know what might happen?

What would you try if you knew you couldn't fail. Is it possible for some humans to be invincible? Invincible given enough planning and technology and confidence and faith and curiosity to soar beyond the bounds of the Earth? Is risk always present even if measured in advance?

Defer gratification. When others protested the Vietnam War and smoked pot; she would study and plan and sacrifice. Striving to be the best. To be the smartest and most motivated. Become an astronaut. Become famous. Soar high, far above Akron, Ohio.

Judy Resnick was the second woman in space. An engineer, she applied for the astronauts training program and later was one of seven American crew members killed in the Challenger explosion on Jan 28, 1986. She was divorced and had no children.

She grew up in Akron Ohio and her Father was an Optometrist. She graduated from Firestone High school, first in her class. She attended Perkins Junior High and an Elementary in Akron now called Resnick Learning Center.

American in 1985 was invincible. Reaganomics brought faith and reestablishment of manifest destiny. American would conquer space, the next frontier. The future was bright for America again in 1985. The famous Actor Ronald Regan lead America into the future in 1985.

A father lost his daughter. He lost his stunning daughter who played piano and was sympathetic to deaf people. His beautiful talented intelligent daughter was gone, a national hero. Later she was awarded posthumously a Space Medal of Honor.

Judy Resnick was one of two women who died on Challenger. The other a teacher, was the star that day with the media pre-flight. The second woman astronaut, the Teacher's students watched as did thousands of school children on television in their classrooms. A horrible explosion 73 seconds in flight, all were dead, both women including Judy Resnick the Optometrist's daughter.

Might Dr. Resnick the Optometrist who would have been so so proud of his daughter Judy Resnick when she completed grade school, and matriculated Perkins Junior High, and later graduated Valedictorian at Firestone High school sometimes after her death wished her life had went differently? After his Daughter's death, might the Optometrist had wished she had not been so ambitious, such a risk taker, not strove so high. Would he trade her opportunity to have her back. Given a do over would Dr. Resnick beguile Judy when she was young to keep her safely in Akron, Ohio?

What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail. What would you want your only daughter to do if you knew a little of life's risks? Can you face the future bravely? Would you orchestrate your children's lives towards safety and security rather than exploration and fame and renown if you could? Does every question have a right answer?