The night before ...hubby & I had attended a Gideons meeting and I remember it was freeeeezing cold!!
The next morning I didn't even bother to walk out to see it lift off...although I usually do.
..but I had the TV on...as I washed dishes.
Then, of course, everything went wrong...
..and I rushed out and saw the crooked contrails....
You can only imagine the depression and mourning in this county for a long long time....as they dredged the waters for the capsule....and all the folks involved in the failed launch and the blame game.
..soon after one of our new elementary schools was named Challenger
I didn't get up this early AM to see it lift off either...didn't even hear it....(usually the windows will rattle a bit & the rumble is strong)
..night launches are spectacular though....
..shortly after I arrived in Florida on the Space Coast 30+ years ago, my neighbor took us to the Cape to watch a night launch--(believe it was an Atlas)-- and it shook the ground like an earthquake....it was amazing!!...and scary!
So sorry to hear about your loss
May faith sustain you
Prayers for you and your family