I’m sure you all remember the shuttle Challenger tragedy. In fact, most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at the time, kind of like when J.F.K. and Michael Jackson died. I’ll never forget that news clip of Christa and her comrades in their orange suits waving for the cameras as they walked together to board the shuttle. Christa had such a warm and friendly smile. Then the explosion. I was always very concerned that they might have a few terrifying moments being aware o their impending death. In this series of posts, we’ll find that out and more.
Me: Let’s see if you can find Christa McAuliffe for us, Erik. You know, she’s the one who got killed with the space shuttle exploded after launch.
Jamie: Was that the teacher?
Me: Oh, yeah. And it was the Challenger.
(Pause)
Jamie; He’s gone.
Me: Okay. Our little puppy fetching his bone.
Jamie giggles.
Erik materializes with Christa.
Jamie (chuckling): Flashback to the 80s!
Me: Oh, boy. The 80s hair?
Jamie: Yeah!
Me: Hi Christa!
Christa: Hello.
Me: How are you?
Christa: Very well, very well.
Jamie: She seems very well mannered; she’s not very out-going. Just really sweet. Reserved.
Me: Do you know why Erik brought you here?
Christa: He was trying to explain it to me as we were coming.
Jamie laughs.
Me: So you didn’t get that memo ahead of time, huh?
Christa (laughing softly): No, I didn’t get that memo, probably because I’m not so much in the loop!
Me: Okay, welcome to the party! We’re here to get your insight and share it with the world, basically. Nothing is going to be exploitive or voyeuristic. We just want to seek the wisdom that you had and have gained since you crossed over.
Christa (tentatively): Okay.
Me: And I’d like to start by asking you about the beliefs you had before you died. Did you believe in the afterlife or God?
Christa (giggling quietly): I actually believed in a little bit of everything. Ever since I can remember, I have always watched the sky and have always believed in something greater.
Me: That makes sense.
Christa: As far as a specific religion: I guess I’d have to say Catholicism was more a part of my house than anything else, but we weren’t your average church goers. My family is from all different backgrounds like Irish, German, and other European countries—
Me: Sort of a melting pot.
Christa (smiling): Yes. My family was definitely melting pot. Even though religion played a part in most of my friends’ houses, it was mostly a misunderstood phenomenon.
Me: Okay. Did your beliefs change after you passed?
Christa: I think they became more solidified, more tangible. Before I died, I was more open to many possibilities. I knew I was safe; I knew there was something greater than me. I used the term God, but God had something more about it than what religion described. When I crossed over, I was able to complete the mission I was on. I’m sure you’re aware of my story, as it was very public.
Me: Yes.
