Posted on 12/21/2007 7:35:15 PM PST by La Enchiladita
Lombard astronaut Daniel Tani today called his deceased mother his “hero” and said he was aware of the possibility that a family tragedy could strike while he was in space.
In a statement released by NASA, Tani thanked “everyone who has expressed their condolences during this time of grieving for me and my family.”
Tani’s 90-year-old mother Rose was killed on Wednesday after she drove her car onto railroad tracks in Lombard and was struck by a freight train.
He will not be able to return to Earth for weeks.
“Living on the [International Space Station] means I experience all aspects of life — be they joyous or tragic — while circling the Earth without a convenient way to return,’’ wrote Tani. “Of course I was aware of this situation before my mission and I fully accept that I will proudly complete my mission . . . and join my family when I return.”
Tani said NASA and his two colleagues have “been fully supportive through this.’’
Of his mother, Tani wrote: “My mother was a complete joy. Those who knew her will know that words cannot describe her vitality, generosity and warmth. She was my hero. We will all miss her dearly.’’
A memorial service is planned for 1:30 p.m. Sunday at First Church of Lombard, 220 South Main.
The Tani family had discussed the possibility of a video conference with Daniel Tani but the astronaut didn’t want to become the center of attention, Daniel’s brother Richard Tani said.
Instead, “He’s going to send a taped message that will be included in the service,” Richard Tani said.
Ping
Interesting circumstance of “living” in space. Not being able to attend your mothers funeral because you were stuck 300 miles overhead was bound to happen sooner or later.
Prayers Up..
There has been one or two Russian cosmonauts that lost family members while aboard Salyut and Mir. Daniel Tani is the first US astronaut to have this happen while in space. However, POW’s lost family members while held prisoner so they might as well have been in orbit when that occurred. A very lousy situation on both fronts.
I wish him well through this.
Thank you for the ping. Very nice statement and actions (to refrain from becoming the attention during his mother’s funeral) by this man.
Blessings upon him and his family at this sad time.
I feel sorry for the astronaut, and sorry for the engineer and the other train workers. As for the 90-year-old driver? Perhaps at a certain age drivers should put the safety of others ahead of their own pride and retire from driving.
A driving accident is possible at any age.
Right now, the situation is that the lady has passed on and her astronaut son must grieve while doing his duties at the International Space Station. He needs this country’s support.
With today's technology, and NASA's expertise, I am sure it will provide Dan with an "almost like being there" setup. IIRC, I believe Dan was to be returning on Atlantis, if Atlantis had gotten up on time--which means he would have been returning this weekend.
just can’t imagine!
These people are clearly the best of the best
That is correct, and so ironic. He would have been home on earth this week. On the other hand, he is up in the heavens and that is where his dear mother is now...:)
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