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Avatar Author: Jessica Cahill Read Bio

It is strange what happens in the last moment. The mind grows infinite, capable of processing an entire life in a split second. I see my first birthday, my first pet, my first kiss beneath the bleachers. I remember the feel of my little fingers curled around my father’s finger, how it felt to tie my own shoe, drive a car, the first time I noticed how good the warm sun felt in winter.

There’s also all the embarrassing moments, those things I’d rather have forgotten. Falling down in the middle of the hall in eighth grade. Being turned down for a date to the prom. Answering the door with less clothes on than I intended because I was burning with fever.

And within the kaleidescope of my life I find the checklist, those things that are too important to forget, even now…

What was the last thing I said to those I love?

Did I pay enough attention?

What are my regrets?

What are my blessings?

What are the final words, that I’ll take into eternity?

“Shuttle Challenger, you are clear for launch.”

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Comments (9 so far!)

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  1. Avatar Robert Quick

    Wow I certainly didn’t expect that ending. How old are you? (Rhetorical question) I remember being in the 4th grade when that tragedy took place and never did I think I’d find a specific reminder here on Ficly. As always, great job!

  2. Avatar Jessica Cahill

    Thanks Robert! I was in the 8th grade, watching it live in the classroom the day it happened.

    This was one of the times where I was really challenged by the text limit. I wanted to make it more visceral, but in the end, decided that most people know what happened, and to bring the story inward. As always, I appreciate your comments. :)

  3. Avatar Amaris Wolfe

    Wow you guys are so much older than I thought you were! Please don’t take that as an insult, it was merely a statement of surprise! I love both of your collective bodies of work (robert and jessica.) I guess I just made the assumption that you were my age, because of the way I connected with your writing.
    Jessica, this is beautiful. I don’t remember it, but it rings true anyways.

  4. Avatar Jessica Cahill

    Thank you so much Amaris! To be honest I was surprised to find that I was a little older than Robert…his work has a depth and maturity that really appeals to me.

    And I have no problems with my age. I see it as a reward for surviving. I wear the number with pride. :)

  5. Avatar ElshaHawk (LoA)

    I remember video of it.. so I had to look up the date. I was too young to understand when it happened. This is a beautifully written piece!

  6. Avatar Mickydoodle3

    wow, its just.. wow…this might be the winner.. owo

  7. Ahfl_icon THX 0477

    Very gut-wrenching and nicely set up to tie a general reflection to something specific and historical.

  8. Avatar The Electric Hillbilly

    I loved it. Nothing to add. Great Great!

  9. Avatar boxofun

    Simply masterful.

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