What a wonderful sight it is.

[kc5amq@xxxxxxxx (Phillip Cox)]

To All,

I wanted to give my children something that would help them to understand
and make sense of what their father had been following (and making such a
big fuss over) for so long; all the news clips, books, videos, "special"
radio equipment, and lots and lots of E-mail. In honor of possibly the
last American journey to MIR, I made a special effort to show them what
would prove to be an absolutely wonderful sight to behold. And it was.
Not knowing what to expect, we positioned ourselves in a field with the
truck's radio's tuned to listen for, and alert us to the coming
spectacle. Right on time! Just as AMSAT's keps had predicted. At
01:48:23, "Bleeep!" The radio blurted out its warning. Packet came across
loud and clear as we peered into the twilight above Utica, NY. A few
stars had satisfied the imaginations of a 9 and a 10 year old, until,
"That one to the right. It's MOVING!" Unexplicably, a sight these three
had never seen before. It captured their imaginations, the same as SKYLAB
did for their father, once a boy looking skyward. I know (and hope) the
flood of questions heard tonight will not stop for a good long while. One
or more of these boy's may work some day on the ISS. If we can keep this
generation's ambitions fed with intrigue and mysteries to be solved...
"DAD! LOOK! Another one behind it!" I could not believe it. The Shuttle
too. Still there, trailing behind as described the night before; (Thanks
Mr. Costa). So even though I never did get a chance over the years to
hear my call returned, or get the '88 set up in time, I have something to
give my children even more valuable than bragging rights - a life long
burning desire to know more about what's out there. We have ALL taken
things a little too personal lately. Mr Miles, I hope you still have an
impact on our hobby long into the future no matter where you are. I would
hate to loose a resource like you. We should all bare in mind that this
is not an occupation for most of us. And that we are not here for
personal gains only. I try in my community to bring the benefits of our
endeavors to the children in any way possible. I have given of myself to
help teach classes and to hold club meetings in schools across the
country. I have opened my shack to the local kids with no remorse. I have
made a general commitment of myself, disabled, and otherwise encouraged
to keep to myown, to always share and  to impact my world in positive
ways. Whatever they may be. However I may. It takes a lot of energy to do
so. I am proud of what I have done. I challenge those of you who feel
they may have reason not to, to reconsider your interest in this great
hobby of ours. My children have their hearts set. They know what they CAN
do in this world. Gentlemen, THAT, is what we are here for. Not to prove
what WE can accomplish, but to make a way for our next generations to
survive and thrive.Phillip Coxkc5amq@juno.comProud to be a Ham!

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